"Coconut is (a) very interesting (commodity). We have just carried out downstreaming for coconut," Roeslani remarked at the 2025 International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) in Jakarta on Thursday (June 12).
The minister considers coconut a noteworthy commodity, as it offers high added value when processed through an optimal downstreaming process.
He recalled that just a week back, the government had initiated the construction of a coconut downstream industry in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
Roeslani affirmed that this strategic initiative will be replicated in several other provinces to accelerate the development of coconut-based industries nationally.
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The minister explained that coconut downstreaming holds vast potential in creating jobs and helping to improve the welfare of coconut farmers in various regions in the country.
Although investment in the sector has yet to be maximized, he believes its future prospects are bright, as global demand for coconut derivative products continues to grow.
Roeslani emphasized that coconut's potential should be viewed not only as a commodity but also as a new economic opportunity for those in the agribusiness sector.
"This is also very interesting. Although investment may not be optimal, there will be job creation, and it will also help many coconut farmers in Indonesia,” he stated.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman sought to increase the export value of coconut commodities to Rp60 trillion annually through downstreaming.
Indonesia's coconut production currently reaches around 2 million tons per year, with an export value of around Rp20 trillion. However, if processed, it could produce up to three times more added value, he noted.
Related news: Govt continues efforts for downstreaming of coconut industry: Minister
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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