Bangka Belitung – Moeldoko, The Chief of The Staff to the President, stated that sago can be an alternative staple food in Indonesia. This is also the President’s concern in Food Security and Nutrition to improve food diversification and quality of community nutrition.
According to Moeldoko, history records that sago had become Indonesia’s local food source, since this Indonesia’s origin plant has a great potential source of carbohydrate. Besides environmentally friendly cultivation, sago is also well-grown in all kinds of weather conditions.
“Importantly, the popularity of sago is increasing all over the world,” said Moeldoko after declaring sago as sustainable food and development of wetland forest towards Indonesia Net Zero 2060, in Kampoeng Reklamasi Air Jangkang, Bangka Belitung Island, Tuesday (8/8).
Moeldoko also stated the potential for developing sago as an export item can assist economic growth. Although Indonesia has 90 percent of the world’s sago forests, it is only ranked fourth as sago exporter country. “Sago processing has not been maximized, tools update should be supported in increasing sago’s productivity and export activities,” Moeldoko remarked.
Moeldoko, who is also Chairman of HKTI explained that sago is potentially considered as a staple alternative during the food crisis. He pointed out, sago could be the solution to overcome stunting and malnutrition. In addition to human food sources, sago can be used as a source of animal feed, industrial food sources, and energy sources.
“Managing sago properly can reduce the use of raw materials, waste, emissions, and wasted energy. On the factory side, sago can be made into flour, instant noodles, alternative energy, and even food for cows,” he added.
Moreover, Moeldoko highlighted that sago declaration as sustainable food source in Bangka Belitung would be followed up by the commitment and concrete actions from the local government and stakeholders. “Sago needs to be promoted as a potential staple alternative for its many benefits, this should be the consideration for consumers and producers,” he stated.
On that occasion, Moeldoko also planted sago palm in PT Timah Tbk’s reclamation village, Air Jangkang Village, Bangka Belitung Island. At the initial stage, 300 sago plants were planted, and approximately one million sago plants will be cultivated in the area.
