IPB University Patriot Expedition Team Arrives in Parigi Moutong, Regent Supports Local Commodity Development
The IPB University Patriot Expedition Team in Parigi Moutong was officially welcomed by Regent Erwin Burase and the Chairman of the Employment and Transmigration Office (Nakertrans).
The five-member team was led by Dr Lukmanul Hakim Zaini (lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment), with Field Coordinator Habib Alif Refdy, and members Dyah Ayu, Febri Berutu, and Zildjan Nasrullah (students/alumni).
During the welcoming meeting, Dr Lukman reported on the work plan in the field. The team will stay for four months with an initial base camp in Petunasugi Village, Bolano Lambunu District. The main objective of the expedition is to design a superior commodity development strategy that is applicable and based on local potential.
“The research approach will combine supply chain analysis and SWOT analysis, as well as field survey methods, actor mapping in the production and distribution system, and competitiveness assessment based on primary data and stakeholder input from farmers to market players,” he explained.
The Regent of Parigi Moutong, Erwin Burase, expressed his full support for this activity and instructed all relevant agencies to facilitate data and coordination through the Nakertrans Agency.
“We warmly welcome the IPB Patriot Expedition Team. The local government provides full support, including data access and coordination between regional apparatus organizations (OPD) through the Nakertrans Office,” said Erwin.
The Regent also highlighted a trending commodity in the area, durian. He requested that the results of the study be submitted before the team returned. “Currently, durian is one of the leading promising commodities. We hope the team’s recommendations will strengthen its added value and supply chain,” said Erwin.
Chairman of the Parigi Moutong Nakertrans Office Hendra Bangsawan emphasized his readiness to provide data access and technical-logistical facilitation for the team during the study period.
This activity is expected to produce policy recommendations and technical interventions that can increase the added value of local commodities, strengthen supply chains, and empower agricultural businesses in the Greater Tomini maritime transmigration area.
During their stay in the field, the team is committed to reporting progress regularly to the Parigi Moutong Regency Government and the Ministry of Transmigration. (*/Rz) (IAAS/NRA)
