The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is positioning West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) as Indonesia’s primary salt production center to address the ongoing shortage of industrial-grade salt. This strategic move aims to achieve national salt self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on imports and preserving foreign exchange. Key locations in Sumbawa and Bima have been identified for development due to their vast potential, favorable climate, and strong local government and community support. NTB’s natural advantages—ample sunlight, low rainfall, and traditional salt-making heritage—make it ideal for large-scale salt production.
KKP’s strategy focuses on two pillars: modernizing traditional salt farming to meet the industrial standard of 97% NaCl content and establishing integrated industrial salt zones. At least 1,000 hectares of land are being prepared with the cooperation of local governments, aligning with Presidential Regulation No. 17 of 2025, which gradually bans salt imports—starting with food-grade salt in 2025 and chemical-grade salt by 2027. This initiative includes infrastructure development, technological upgrades, and training for salt farmers, strengthening the supply chain to support industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. By boosting domestic salt output and quality, the program aims to stabilize national supply, reduce import dependence, support local employment, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s manufacturing sectors. The government continues to monitor this initiative closely, recognizing its role in the broader maritime economic strategy and its potential to secure long-term industrial resilience.
