Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Transmigration explores partnerships with Chinese companies to develop agriculture and marine commodities downstreaming process, including mungbeans and seaweed, to boost added value and create jobs in transmigration areas.
The Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara hold discussion with the Chinese counterparts during his working visit to China on October 12-18, focusing on development for processing industry, technology transfer, investment, and expanding market access for leading commodities in transmigration areas.
"We want more products to be processed in Indonesia, more added value to remain in the regions, and more people to find jobs," Suryanagara remarked in a statement received here on Wednesday.
The four Chinese companies he met on Tuesday (Oct 13) were China National Township Enterprises Co Ltd (CNTEC), FAMSUN Group, Shenzhen DJI Innovations Co Ltd (DJI), and Beijing Leili Marine Bioindustry Inc.
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In a meeting, CNTEC presented the trade contracts through 2026, covering 7,900 tons of mungbeans worth US$9.86 million and 6,100 tons of carrageenan-producing seaweed worth US$9.73 million.
Overall, the two commodities hold a trade contract value of approximately US$19.59 million with a volume reaching 14,000 tons.
The figure reflects trade contracts presented by the company, rather than new investment commitments signed during its meeting with the Ministry of Transmigration.
Meanwhile, the exploration with FAMSUN Group focuses on the development of grain storage technology, agricultural logistics, the food and animal feed industry, and digital technology-based processing systems.
Suryanagara said the development of drying, storage, and processing facilities for agricultural products is expected to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand market access for farmers and businesses in transmigration areas.
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Further, a discussion with DJI focused on the use of drones for agricultural activities, including spraying, seed and fertilizer distribution, aquaculture feed application, and transportation of goods using appropriate technology.
The Ministry also explores opportunities for operator and technician training to improve the local workforce skill and open new business opportunities in the use of agricultural technology.
In the marine sector, the exploration with Beijing Leili Marine Bioindustry Inc. covers the development of seaweed-derived products, including agricultural biostimulants and supporting materials to improve soil health and plant productivity.
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The proposed industrial developments require further studies on raw material suitability, supply reliability, processing technology, and potential partnerships with local producers and businesses.
Minister Suryanagara stressed each collaboration opportunity must be followed up by identifying projects with clear business prospects and tangible economic benefits for communities in transmigration areas.
The Transmigration Ministry would map site readiness, commodity potential, infrastructure requirements, investment value, and partnership models to ensure industrial development involves local farmers, workers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
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Translator: Aria Ananda, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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