The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is actively driving the downstream development of the cocoa and seaweed industries with a focus on enhancing human resources through the Industrial Training Center (BDI) in Makassar. South Sulawesi, a strategically important industrial region, is being leveraged to strengthen the local and national economy by utilizing its abundant natural resources. Indonesia, as the world's third-largest cocoa producer with an output of 739,483 tons, is emphasizing the expansion of downstream cocoa processing, including the production of cocoa powder, cocoa fat, cocoa-based food and beverages, supplements, and artisan chocolates. This has spurred the growth of craft chocolate, where chocolate makers oversee the entire process from raw material selection to the final product. The Ministry of Industry is actively involved in enhancing the competency of artisan chocolate makers and experts in this field. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia have evolved into cocoa processing businesses.
Simultaneously, the seaweed industry in Indonesia, the world's second-largest seaweed producer, offers various derivative products with substantial value-added potential. Indonesia also ranks sixth in karageenan and seventh in agar exports globally, with destinations including China, the United States, and South Korea. In 2023, Kemenperin aims to train, certify, and place 26,050 individuals through the 3-in-1 training program to boost productivity and competitiveness in downstream industries. This program targets both skilled industry workers and those seeking to revitalize family businesses or start new ventures. Its overarching goal is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among participants, leading to business permits, standardized processed products, and job creation. This contributes positively to the national economy by reducing imports and expanding Indonesia's presence in the global value chain, all while promoting economic growth and employment opportunities.
