From Upstream to Downstream, Four IPB TEP Teams Map Out Strategies for Sustainable Sago Development in the Salor Transmigration Area
Four Patriot Expedition Teams from IPB University held a joint discussion to finalize plans for the development of sago in the Salor Transmigration Area, Merauke Regency, on (8/9). This discussion was held to align work programs from the upstream to the downstream sectors so that sago management can proceed in an integrated and sustainable manner.
One of the sago team’s field coordinators, Muhamad Husni Tamami, said that the interactive discussion brought together four teams with complementary areas of expertise. The first team focuses on the upstream sector, specifically cultivation techniques, sago plant maintenance, and the utilization of sago waste in Tambat Village.
The second team focuses on technical processing and improving production facility standards to ensure that the resulting sago products are more hygienic and produced more efficiently. In addition, this team will train the Dwitrap Farmers’ Group to produce new sago based products such as sago noodles, sago rice, and liquid sugar. The team will also assist them in obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB), a PIRT (home based food industry) distribution permit, and halal certification.
“Meanwhile, the third team is focused on strengthening human resource capacity and empowering local farmer groups. This team will revitalize local food production and introduce simple sago processing machines.
As for the fourth team, it will complete the production chain in the downstream sector by focusing on mapping business potential, creating added value, and developing marketing strategies to bring sago products to a wider market,” said Husni after a discussion in Sumber Harapan Village, Tanah Miring District.
According to Husni, this interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to ensure that sago development in the Salor Transmigration Area does not proceed in a piecemeal or fragmented manner.
“Sago has tremendous potential in Merauke. However, to revitalize its ecosystem, we cannot focus solely on cultivation or the business aspect. Through this joint discussion, we are integrating findings from the plantations, production facility designs, the readiness of local communities, and the business supply chain so that the resulting output truly delivers tangible and sustainable impacts for the community,” said Husni.
Through this integrated program, spanning the entire value chain, Husni hopes that the IPB Patriot Expedition Team in the Salor Transmigration Area can serve as a pilot project for a modern sago production and processing center in South Papua that is economically self sufficient while preserving the environment. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HNY)
