Heaptalk, Jakarta — Gorontalo Regent Nelson Pomalingo, who also serves as Chairman of the Coalition of Coconut Producing Governments, outlined five strategic steps for developing the coconut industry before the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas.
At an event held in Jakarta on Tuesday (12/17), Nelson emphasized the importance of downstream the coconut industry as a follow-up to Presidential Regulation No. 132 of 2024 on Plantation Fund Management. According to him, the government must maximize the potential of coconuts in upstream and downstream sectors to enhance global competitiveness and farmers’ welfare. “The government should not only focus on the upstream sector but also how the downstream coconut industry can be concretely established to increase added value,” said Nelson.
Nelson then proposed five strategic steps to develop the national coconut industry. First, IPB is proposed as the Coconut Data and Research Center. This educational institution will become the national coconut research and data collection center. Valid data will be the basis for strategic policy-making and industry development.
Second, incentives for upstream and downstream development. The government is expected to incentivize coconut farmers in the upstream sector and industries in the downstream sector. These incentives are essential to boost productivity and competitiveness, especially in the global market.
Third, coconut price negotiation and transparency. The government is asked to provide accurate and transparent coconut price information at national and international levels. Price transparency will protect farmers and businesses from harmful practices.
Fourth, preparing a roadmap for the long-term development of the coconut sector (2025-2045). This map will include strategies from upstream production to downstream processing.
Lastly, Nelson encourages the integration of government program policies. For example, Nelson encourages government policies, such as free food programs, to utilize coconut derivative products, such as coconut milk. This step will increase domestic coconut consumption and positively impact farmers’ welfare. “With policy integration, we can increase coconut consumption and sustainably support the coconut farmers’ economy,” Nelson concluded.
