Project News

On 17 November 2015, a seminar for disseminating the experience of the Local Working Group (LWG) activities for the cacao processing industry in Central Sulawesi Province was held in Palu City jointly by two Directorate Generals (DGs) of the Ministry of Industry (MoI) (Small and Medium Industry (SMI), and Agro-based Industry (AI)). In parallel with the seminar, an opening ceremony and a study tour of a cacao processing factory were also arranged for invited provincial governments (Provincial Dinas Industry and Trade) which have the cacao industry or the potential for its development. After sharing information on support activities and achievements, LWG and DGs had a discussion with participants toward applying the facilitation model to other regions.

Central Sulawesi Provincial Dinas Industry and Trade produces a main material (couverture: chocolate for cooking), utilizing equipment provided by DG-AI for the purpose of supplying producers at low prices, while other necessary support/guidance is provided in order to put target producers' business on track in collaboration with DG-SMI. This practice is appreciated as an effective model for processing local resources and adding value within the region as well as developing entrepreneurs. In the opening remarks of the seminar, the Minister of Industry expressed his expectation on this trilateral collaboration: DG-AI in enhancing upstream industries, DG-SMI for entrepreneur programs, and the regional government (Dinas Industry and Trade). He expected that the challenge of Central Sulawesi would motivate the invited provinces to follow its practice in order to accelerate the development of downstream industries through processing and adding value to local agricultural commodities as well as the expansion of employment opportunities in accordance with MoI's policy.

DGs highly appreciated Central Sulawesi Province's strong commitment and responsibility in planning and implementation and also close communication with MoI during the facilitation process. DGs indicated that those were fundamental criteria for selecting target regions as well as key factors in leading to successful results.

While continuing efforts to increase local chocolate producers in Central Sulawesi, LWG has agreed to assist other regions which intend to apply the facilitation model through receiving site visits and providing necessary advice.

Study tour of the cacao processing factory by the seminar participants
(Minister of Industry: second from left)