Indonesia Targets Salt Self-Sufficiency by 2027 with Strategic Measures
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has announced comprehensive plans to achieve national salt self-sufficiency by 2027, in collaboration with local salt farmers and industries.
Victor Gustaa Manoppo, the ministry’s Director General of Marine Spatial Management, outlined the strategy in a statement on Saturday, emphasizing infrastructure development, technological innovation, and sustainable resource management.
“As part of the plan, we have identified potential areas for salt pond development, including a key site in Indramayu, West Java,” Manoppo said. Indramayu Regency has been selected as the central hub for infrastructure development, farmer training, and enhanced access to financing.
In 2024, Indramayu’s productive land spanned 1,445.65 hectares, yielding a total production of 135,891.10 tons, with productivity reaching 94 tons per hectare. The current stock of 25,000 tons is distributed across the regency’s sub-districts of Krangkeng, Losarang, Kandanghaur, and Patrol.
Technological Innovation and Regional Expansion
The ministry is driving technological advancements in salt production, such as the geomembrane method, which has significantly improved both the quality and quantity of salt produced. Plans are also underway to expand salt pond areas in East Nusa Tenggara, targeting 2,500 hectares using conventional methods combined with harvest mechanization.
In addition, the ministry aims to modernize salt production by implementing the concentrated brine method over 1,800 hectares in five provinces, including West Java.
Manoppo highlighted that people’s salt production in 2024 reached 2.04 million tons, surpassing the 2 million-ton target, demonstrating the success of ongoing development programs.
Reducing Imports and Building Self-Sufficiency
As an initial step towards achieving self-sufficiency, the government has decided not to import consumption salt in 2025. The national demand for raw salt is projected to reach 4.9 million tons in 2024 and 2025, with an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent due to population and industrial growth.
Domestic production for 2025 is targeted at 2.25 million tons. Combined with an estimated stock of 836,000 tons, this would cover 63 percent of the total demand. The ministry sees the remaining gap as a promising business opportunity for local producers, including smallholder farmers and larger enterprises.
“Our salt production is of high quality and competitive internationally. With continued technological support and strategic measures, we are optimistic about achieving self-sufficiency by 2027,” Manoppo stated.
The ministry’s efforts align with broader national goals to strengthen local industries, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance sustainable resource utilization.
