Rizki Ernadi Wimanda, Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for South Sulawesi, highlighted that global market prices and increasing geopolitical tensions have hindered the region's export growth. However, Rizki emphasized that South Sulawesi still has opportunities to enhance its export performance and drive regional economic growth. Speaking in Makassar on 19 August 2024, Rizki explained that the global economic recovery remains sluggish due to high uncertainty and the impact of geopolitical conflicts. Despite these challenges, he suggested that providing export-based regional incentives could be a viable solution. He further recommended subsidies and export premiums as measures to boost South Sulawesi’s export performance.
One of the key strategies to increase the value of South Sulawesi's exports is through accelerating the processing of seaweed, a leading export commodity in the region. Currently, seaweed exports are largely dominated by raw materials rather than processed products. To maximize the potential of non-mining exports, enhancing the production capacity of seaweed as a raw material is essential. Rizki also mentioned that offering incentives to businesses, including the distribution of high-quality seaweed seeds and effective inventory management, could help increase production while stabilizing seaweed prices. By focusing on these areas, South Sulawesi can strengthen its position in the global market and support regional economic development.
