REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KENDARI -- Five investors are set to develop sugar mills in Southeast Sulawesi province to support the government's national sugar self-sufficiency program.
"The five private companies are PT Marketindo Selaras, PT Kilau Indah Cemerlang, PT Asia Sweet Plantation, PT Wahana Suryo Agro, and PT Sumagro Sawitara," Head of Southeast Sulawesi Plantation and Horticulture Agency, Bambang, said here on Monday.
The factories will be spread over four districts---two mills will be built in South Konawe district, one each by PT Marketindo Selaras and PT Kilau Indah Cemerlang; one mill in Kolaka district will established by PT Asia Sweet Plantation; one in Muna district will be built by PT Wahana Suryo Agro; and one in North Buton district will be established by PT Sumagro Sawitara.
According to Bambang, the five companies are already carrying out socialization, land inventory management, negotiations, payments of compensation, and land clearance.
He further noted that the five mills will produce some 270,000 tons of sugar per year.
"If the companies build the mills, the region will become a sugar industry center in eastern Indonesia," Bambang affirmed.
Moreover, he added that the development of sugar production in the province could improve the welfare of the society and the economy, primarily in terms of employment.
"According to a comparative economic calculation, an acre of land needs at least 12 workers. The demand for workers will be fulfilled by local laborers from the province," Bambang observed.
In addition, the development of sugar production will also be supported by the natural geographical conditions of Southeast Sulawesi. The province has the potential to grow several varieties of sugarcane, he remarked.
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