The Provincial Government of Sulawesi Tengah (Sulteng) is exploring a collaboration with Vietnam to develop dairy-cattle farming and milk production in Lembah Napu, Kabupaten Poso. The move was discussed during a visit of representatives from True Happiness Group—a Vietnamese dairy producer with operations spanning the United States, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand—to the provincial government in Palu. Officials say the investment aims to support the national free-nutrition program and the regional priority to improve children's growth by ensuring the availability of quality milk and beef.
Authorities expect that the project will create numerous jobs, lift the welfare of local farmers, and facilitate technology transfer. Land for the venture is available: about 6,000 hectares have been allocated, with potential expansion to tens of thousands of hectares. Given that domestic fresh-milk production currently only meets around 21% of national demand—the rest being met by imports—stakeholders say this development could significantly reduce dependency on imported dairy and help meet rising national needs.
