Indonesia has become the second-largest sago exporter globally, with exports valued at approximately USD 9 million in 2023. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted this achievement during the National Symposium on Sago Processing Industry in Jakarta on 29 July 2024. Indonesia possesses the largest sago plantation area globally, covering 5.5 million hectares, primarily in Papua, where current utilization remains low. According to Business Research Insight, the global sago starch market is projected to reach USD 557.13 million by 2031. The Ministry of Industry aims to advance the sago industry beyond starch production to include diverse products such as sago-based foods, bio-packaging, and other non-food items. This development aligns with Indonesia's efforts to enhance food security, as sago is an indigenous crop with significant starch yield and environmental benefits, including high CO2 absorption, contributing to global warming mitigation.

To support the sago industry, the Ministry plans to facilitate product diversification, industry collaboration, local content certification, and equipment restructuring. Additionally, the ministry seeks to synergize efforts with various stakeholders to accelerate industry growth. The symposium featured 14 speakers from government, academia, and industry and included an exhibition with 21 participants from central and regional institutions and sago processing businesses. A significant outcome was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Industry and the National Research and Innovation Agency for developing instant sago-based rice, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing the sago processing industry. This initiative reflects Indonesia's strategic focus on leveraging its natural resources to enhance economic value and sustainable development.

Source: https://www.emitennews.com/news/indonesia-eksportir-sagu-terbesar-kedua-di-dunia