Jakarta – Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on the younger generation, particularly those affiliated with the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), to play a strategic role in accelerating the downstreaming of the agricultural sector, particularly in plantation commodities. He believes this will create significant added value, create millions of jobs, and strengthen national economic resilience.
“Downstreaming is key. If we seriously pursue this, it will create 8.6 million new jobs, from the cultivation sector to the plantation processing industry,” said Amran.
Amran emphasized that downstreaming will be a top priority for future agricultural development. Commodities such as coconut, cocoa, coffee, cashews, palm oil, and cotton are considered to have significant potential for processing into high-value derivative products, both for export and import substitution.
“The added value of agricultural products must be enjoyed domestically. We must stop exporting raw materials. Everything must be processed, absorbed by local industries, and have a direct impact on the welfare of farmers,” he stressed.
For example, Amran highlighted the coconut industry. From a single coconut, which costs only Rp1,350 per kilogram, it can be processed into Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), with a selling price of up to Rp145,000 per liter—equivalent to 107 times the price. Other derivative products, such as cocopeat, cocofiber, and bioenergy, also offer significant opportunities for the food, beverage, and renewable energy industries.
On that occasion, Amran invited HIPMI to become a strategic partner for the government in promoting agricultural downstreaming. He believed that the younger generation needed to be given space and support to contribute optimally to building an agriculture-based economy.
“HIPMI is our children. Give them a platform, give them support. They will continue development. This is a golden moment and opportunity for HIPMI to act,” he exclaimed.
Amran added that Indonesia has a comparative advantage in the form of abundant natural resources and year-round agricultural production capacity. Synergy between the government and young entrepreneurs like HIPMI is considered crucial in increasing national competitiveness and achieving food security.
Responding to the invitation, the General Chairperson of BPD HIPMI DIY, Ekawati Rahayu Putri, expressed her appreciation and commitment.
“Thank you, Minister, for your motivation and guidance. This has given us new energy. HIPMI is ready to be the initiator in bringing together agricultural entrepreneurs and synergizing with the government,” he said.
Ekawati emphasized that HIPMI DIY is ready to be a driving force in downstream-based agricultural development.
“We are ready to take part in realizing national food security and self-sufficiency,” he concluded.
