The Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, launched the export of fermented cocoa beans to Yokohama, Japan. These agricultural products are from the transmigration area in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, and are produced by PT. Untuk Indonesia Hijau, a micro, small and medium enterprise (UMKM) supported by Bank Indonesia. The Minister of Transmigration has stated that this export serves as a concrete example of the high-value export potential of transmigration areas. He observed that transmigration areas are no longer simply recognised as new locations, but have evolved into significant contributors to the global economy.
PT. Untuk Indonesia Hijau has demonstrated the capacity to produce high-quality products that have passed stringent international market selection criteria. Iftitah highlighted that this success is in line with the Ministry of Transmigration's strategic focus on enhancing the value of local products, creating employment opportunities, and promoting regional economic growth. The ministry will continue to promote and develop premium commodities from transmigration areas. By the end of September, Iftitah had been invited to the Osaka Expo by Bappenas and would promote West Sulawesi chocolate to increase its market penetration in Japan. Furthermore, Iftitah is planning to enter into a collaborative partnership with researchers from leading Indonesian universities, as well as from Singapore and Japan, with a view to enhancing the quality and productivity of West Sulawesi cocoa. The Ministry of Transmigration has identified West Sulawesi as a priority region for the development of transmigration areas based on flagship commodities. This initiative aims to drive regional progress and sustainable community welfare.
