Kadin To Build Three Integrated Areas In Eastern Indonesia

Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) will build three integrated areas in eastern Indonesia as part of efforts to expedite the development of this region, a top official of Kadin said.

Speaking here on Wednesday, the Head of Investment, Banking, Finance and Business Development of Kadin Reza V. Maspaitella stated that the provinces to be turned into food suppliers are South Sulawesi, Maluku and West Nusa Tenggara.

"South Sulawesi is focused on the agricultural sector, while Maluku is concerned with fisheries and West Nusa Tenggara with livestock," he pointed out.

Maspaitella added that integrated areas will be established in the three provinces as they are known to have potential to supply for the sectors.

The fields of agriculture, fisheries and livestock are considered capable of supporting the welfare of the people in eastern Indonesia.

"We want the accelerated development of the eastern regions to improve the welfare of the surrounding community. These three sectors will allow people to participate in real activities," he affirmed.

According to the Kadin official, other sectors such as energy and tourism can be developed in the integrated areas through the development of renewable energy and tourism.

Moreover, Kadin will choose the locations of the integrated areas based on their potential and existing infrastructure to ensure that development can be accelerated.

Citing an example, he noted that Maluku, which is known for its fisheries potential, was chosen by Kadin as it already has available ports.

"An investor from the Netherlands has been willing to invest in cold storage facilities and an auction system for fisheries in Maluku. In West Nusa Tenggara, an investor from Europe has expressed interest in the livestock feed industry, as well as insemination," he revealed.

Investment in the development of food supply in the three integrated areas is worth more than US$50 million, he added. (WDY)