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Palu – The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) of Central Sulawesi reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the coconut downstream industry as part of efforts to enhance the region’s economic competitiveness. The statement was delivered by Wijaya Chandra, Chairperson of APINDO Central Sulawesi, during the Trade and Investment Mission between East Java and Central Sulawesi Provinces held at Best Western Plus Coco Palu Hotel on Saturday (October 18, 2025).

The event brought together more than one hundred business representatives from both provinces and resulted in three major trade agreements with a total value of Rp205.3 billion, covering the industrial, marine, and plantation sectors.

The first agreement was signed between PT Total Solusindo from Sidoarjo, East Java—represented by Rachel Yunita—and APINDO Central Sulawesi, represented by Wijaya Chandra. The two parties agreed on the sale of 500 units of coconut fiber processing machines, coconut shell charcoal briquettes, and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), valued at Rp32.5 billion.

The second partnership involved CV Rum Seafood from Sidoarjo, East Java—represented by Sukis Wijayanti—and CV Andi Fikri Rezqiana from Donggala, Central Sulawesi—represented by Yusuf. The agreement includes the annual shipment of 1,920 tons of mackerel, tuna loin, and milkfish, with a transaction value of Rp96.3 billion.

Meanwhile, the third agreement was made between CU Satriya Abdi Buana from East Java—represented by M. Rizal Latief—and PT Inpo Raya Malkos from Palu, Central Sulawesi—represented by Azhar. The two companies agreed to trade 13,410 tons of whole coconuts annually, with an estimated transaction value of Rp76.5 billion.

All agreements were formalized in the Trade and Investment Mission Commitment Form and signed by the business representatives, witnessed by the Governors of East Java and Central Sulawesi.

Chairperson Wijaya Chandra described the trade mission as a strategic momentum to strengthen the coconut industry value chain in the region. According to him, Central Sulawesi possesses vast potential in the coconut commodity, but has long depended on the sale of raw materials.

“We are working to maximize the utilization of every part of the coconut—its meat, water, copra, and husk—because each component has high economic value,”
said Wijaya.

“For example, there’s demand for up to 50 tons of coconut shell charcoal, equivalent to two 40-foot containers. This is a big opportunity we must seize,”
he added.

Wijaya emphasized that coconut downstreaming is not merely about increasing export value but also a strategic move to restore Central Sulawesi’s double-digit economic growth and create new jobs in the processing industry.

“Central Sulawesi once recorded double-digit growth. Through coconut downstreaming, we can bring it back. The coconut processing industry will absorb a significant workforce in both production and logistics sectors,”
he asserted.

APINDO is also exploring partnerships with national and international coconut processing industries that already have extensive market networks.

“We want Central Sulawesi’s coconuts to no longer be sold in raw form but processed into coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut oil. We’re exploring joint industry cooperation with partners that already have national and even global markets,”
Wijaya explained.

APINDO Central Sulawesi hopes that the outcomes of this trade mission will serve as a foundation for establishing an integrated coconut industry in the region. With strong support from local government and industry players, Wijaya is optimistic that Central Sulawesi’s coconut-based products can soon penetrate national and international markets.

“From husk to coconut milk, every part of the coconut has value. What we need now is the will to process it sustainably. Once we build a strong industrial ecosystem, Central Sulawesi will emerge as a new economic hub in Eastern Indonesia,”
concluded Wijaya Chandra.

Source: mercusuar.web.id