Suryanagara said cocoa in transmigration areas has promising potential, though stressing that he did not want local communities to remain dependent on selling only raw products.
“I am currently considering ways to bring in more investors here, so chocolate factories can be established here, enabling (locals) to do more than just export raw cocoa,” Suryanagara stated during a visit to Kabuloan Village here on Friday.
He stated that transmigration areas in West Sulawesi offer various economic opportunities that could appeal to investors, including cocoa, oil palm, fisheries, and tourism.
With more comprehensive studies on commodity development, he believes greater investment opportunities can be identified.
“This mapping can result in investment plans. These are what we will present to potential investors, so more investment can flow into West Sulawesi. This will drive economic growth,” he explained.
He stressed that economic growth in transmigration areas should be inclusive and sustainable. He stated that any investor coming in must deliver tangible benefits for the surrounding communities.
In addition, the minister highlighted the importance of enhancing the quality of human resources, so investors will not hesitate to invest in the region.
“We will also implement community empowerment programs, so when investments come, local residents can benefit from the available job opportunities created by those investments,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, West Sulawesi Governor Suhardi Duka said his side has prepared transmigration sites to serve as growth centers in each district.
“We are still the fourth-largest cocoa producer in Indonesia. We have also prepared aquaculture development areas,” he remarked.
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Translator: Maria, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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