Ministry of Agriculture visited Sebatik: Government’ vision to make Sebatik as Barns

Jakarta – CIDISS. Sebatik Island, North Kalimantan province is the foremost and border area. Sebatik is directly adjacent to the State of Malaysia both from land, sea and air. Jokowi’s vision to build Indonesia from the border is becoming implemented.

Minister of Agriculture (Mentan), Andi Amran Sulaiman, visited Sebatik Island on Monday, 23 October 2017. On the occasion, the Ministry of Agriculture will build a food barn in the border area. This food barn is considered potential to produce export commodities.

In his visit, Andi Amran said that Sebatik Island has great potential in agriculture. Not only palm and cocoa is the mainstay, but also Kelapa Pandan (Pandanus coconut). Orange is one of the leading commodities that can be developed also.

On the occasion, Minister Amran had the opportunity to taste the Kelapa Pandan (Pandanus coconut) and came out a scent smell. According to him, the quality of the Pandanus coconut in Sebatik is number one.

Minister Amran is optimistic that the commodity becomes a lucrative business opportunity, both to the domestic market and exported, if managed well.

Therefore, Andi Amran requested that the regency of Nunukan develop Coconut Pandan, to serve as a pre-eminent commodity. On the occasion, he invited every house to plant, at least five coconut trees. Hopefully, if the Coconut Pandan planting program is successful, then it will be exported to neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia.

Not only targeting production, but post production is one of the future government vision.

According to Andi Amran, the border region is expected to be able to process commodities into commodities with more value. The government also set a big target to build its post industry. This industry will increase the regional income compared to only the export of raw materials.

“We have to go post industry because there added value is in the packaging, we have to reach there,” said Andi Amran. (CF)