Business · Economy · 13 hrs ago
Indonesia expands Rote Ndao salt project to reduce imports
Indonesia is expanding a national salt industry zone in Rote Ndao, in East Nusa Tenggara, to help the country produce more salt at home.
The project is in its second phase, adding 751.32 hectares; the first two phases together cover 1,368.25 hectares.
The site could eventually grow to 10,764 hectares through cooperation between the government and private companies.
The zone is designed to supply salt for industry and household use, with a target output of 200 tonnes per hectare each year and salt purity of up to 97 percent.
Facilities inspected include modern salt ponds and a national salt warehouse that can hold 10,000 tonnes.
The government says the project could reduce salt imports and create local jobs, helping keep more of the economic benefit in Indonesia.
Production is targeted to begin in September 2026, and the fisheries ministry will provide local people with training and certification.
Indonesia is developing a national salt industry zone in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara, to reduce reliance on imports and pursue salt self-sufficiency.
The project’s second phase covers 751.32 hectares, bringing the area developed so far to 1,368.25 hectares.
The zone could eventually expand to 10,764 hectares through cooperation between the government and private sector.
The project targets output of 200 tonnes per hectare per year, with salt purity of up to 97 percent.
The government says the project is also intended to create local jobs and support coastal communities.
- Who
- The Indonesian government is developing the salt zone in Rote Ndao.
- What
- It is expanding a modern, integrated salt industry zone to reduce imports and pursue domestic self-sufficiency.
- When
- The project is in its second phase. Production is targeted to start in September 2026.
- Where
- Rote Ndao regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
- Why
- To reduce dependence on imported salt, meet domestic demand and create jobs for local people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The government developed the first phase of the salt industry zone in Rote Ndao.
Development entered its second phase, covering 751.32 hectares.
The government targeted the start of salt production.
- Phase II area
- 751.32 hectares
- Area developed so far
- 1,368.25 hectares
- Potential total area
- 10,764 hectares
- Target productivity
- 200 tonnes per hectare per year
- Target salt purity
- Up to 97 percent
- National salt warehouse capacity
- 10,000 tonnes
What people are saying
If we keep importing, the economic value flows to other countries. Yet we have extraordinary potential. It is time for coastal communities to be the main actors who benefit from Indonesia’s natural wealth.
We are grateful that Rote was chosen as a national salt industry zone. Young people will not have to go far to find work. We want salt from Rote to meet Indonesia’s needs and become a source of pride for our region.