Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 10:47 AM UTC

Indonesia pushes sago downstreaming to boost food self sufficiency

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Muhammad Harianto, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Industry Muhammad Sarmuji has called for downstream development of the national sago industry to increase value-added, strengthen processing capabilities, attract investment, and support food diversification toward food self-sufficiency for Indonesia.

Sarmuji said sago had great potential as a strategic commodity, as it can be developed into various high-value products, ranging from food items to industrial raw materials.

"We have an abundance of sago; it is an indigenous Indonesian starch-producing plant with immense potential as a source of food raw materials and an alternative carbohydrate," Sarmuji said during the Sago Business Forum 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to him, as a native Indonesian plant, sago has a high starch content and serves as a promising alternative carbohydrate source; it is naturally gluten-free and increasingly sought after by consumers.

He explained the development of the sago sector should not focus solely on increasing raw material production, but also be directed toward processing various derivative products to generate added value.

Sarmuji said sago can be processed into a wide range of food products, such as noodles, analog rice, pasta, and biscuits, which enjoy an ever-expanding market.

Beyond the food sector, the downstream development of sago also encompasses non-food products, including bio-packaging and bioethanol, allowing for more optimal utilization of the commodity.

Sarmuji added that comprehensive utilization of sago supports the implementation of a circular economy, as both solid and liquid waste generated during processing can be repurposed.

He noted that sago waste can also be converted into livestock feed, biogas fuel, and various other products, ensuring that the development of the sago industry adheres to a "low waste" principle.

The minister believes that Indonesia has a significant advantage in developing the sago industry, as it holds the world’s largest sago resources, spread across a vast production area.

Sago-producing regions, such as East Seram, the Meranti Islands, Nias, and the Mentawai Islands, are considered to have significant potential for development into industrial hubs for processing local commodities.

He emphasized that the development of sago is part of strengthening national food diversification, as food security does not rely solely on rice but also on alternative food sources.

"This will strengthen our endeavors toward food self-sufficiency and strengthen our food sovereignty. Food, therefore, is not limited to rice products alone," he added.

Through downstream processing, research, and the development of innovative products, Sarmuji hopes that sago can once again become a viable food choice for the public, while simultaneously strengthening both food sovereignty and the national economy.

"With broader utilization, sound research, and a diverse range of sago-based products, sago can once again become a viable option, and even a better alternative to other food sources," he said.

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