The Indonesian government is launching a bold initiative to boost the value of local agricultural products by constructing 500 cassava-based ethanol processing plants across all regencies. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, announced the plan during a recent event in Jakarta, emphasizing a strategic partnership with the private sector to realize this ambitious target. The development of these ethanol plants will be tailored to the suitability and potential of each region, aiming to maximize the use of cassava, one of Indonesia's key agricultural commodities.
In addition to cassava, the government also intends to establish a coconut processing facility in each regency, responding to the surging global demand for coconut-based products. Minister Zulkifli noted that coconut milk has become increasingly popular as a dairy alternative in coffee beverages worldwide, fueling a rise in coconut exports. These initiatives are designed to create higher value-added products from local resources and strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market. By investing in these processing industries, the government hopes to spur rural economic development, support farmers, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices across the nation.
