JAYAPURA - Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Papua, Ronald Antonio, is ready to encourage the establishment of a sago factory in Papua, through cooperation with one of the modern sago flour processing companies in Bangka Belitung.

This was conveyed by Ronald Antonio to the press, Tuesday (18/1/2022), on the sidelines of his visit to the sago factory owned by Bangka Asindo Agri (BAA ) Company, in the village of Kenanga Sungailiat Sub-district, Bangka Belitung.

"We are visiting the BAA Company engaged in modern sago flour processing. This visit is very important to get information before being invited to become a co-worker to build a factory in Papua"

"Because Papua has large sago land, it is suitable to encourage the construction of sago factories to process flour and then it can also be made into noodles. Moreover, Sago Mee made by BAA Company is the first noodle product in the world that is gluten free and very good," he said.

The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Papua accompanied by four vice chairman had the opportunity to see the utilization of sago flour processing into biogas. The process of milling sago flour is also made into biogas to fuel power plants.

Which electricity can be used for factory electricity supply or sold to the State Electricity Company (PLN)  and is a good breakthrough to be applied in Papua.

"I think if it happens, then cooperating with BAA Company to build a factory like this in Papua will be able to advance the economy of this land. Because of the many benefits that can be achieved, in addition to sago processed into foodstuffs it can also produce renewable energy, "he said.

On that occasion, Ronald asked for local government support so that these efforts could be realized. Because BAA Company has experience utilizing sago forests in Papua without having to damage the forest.

"Of course we are looking for investors who not only attach importance to business profits but also pay attention to the balance of nature. And we're also looking for ways to think about its continuity."

"In addition, we also think about the role of the local Papuan community, because we do not want the extraordinary potential of sago in Papua controlled by investors. But it must partner with the community so that there is good economic growth on this land," he said. ***