TOBELO, North Maluku – Indonesia’s Minister of Transmigration, accompanied by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, the Vice Governor of North Maluku, and the Regent and Vice Regent of North Halmahera, paid a working visit to PT Natural Indococonut Organik (PT NICO) in North Halmahera, North Maluku, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The visit focused on exploring the potential of the coconut downstream industry to strengthen international cooperation, create employment opportunities, and stimulate the local economy through investment in the plantation sector.
During the visit, the Minister expressed admiration for PT NICO’s production capabilities after touring the factory and observing firsthand how coconuts are processed into value-added products.
The Minister of Transmigration also reaffirmed the Indonesian Government’s commitment to supporting the development of the coconut industry in North Halmahera as part of its broader strategy to promote regional economic growth and sustainable industrial development.
The visit also highlighted PT NICO’s plan to build a second processing facility with a significantly larger production capacity. While the company’s existing plant currently processes approximately 500,000 to 600,000 coconuts per day, the new facility is designed to process up to 570 million coconuts annually and is expected to create around 20,000 jobs.
“In addition to strengthening the downstream coconut industry, the government is also committed to improving supporting infrastructure and logistics access by developing production roads and expanding export facilities. These efforts will enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian coconut products,” Minister Muhamad said during the visit.
Meanwhile, Wang Lutong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, expressed his appreciation for the support provided by both the central and regional governments in fostering a favorable investment climate.
He also reaffirmed the Chinese Government’s readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation that delivers mutual benefits, particularly in improving community welfare and supporting sustainable economic development.
“This visit marks a strategic milestone in promoting investment, strengthening the downstream coconut industry, creating employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth in North Halmahera and North Maluku as a whole,” he said.
Sarbin Sehe, Vice Governor of North Maluku, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting investment in the region. He also expressed his appreciation for PT NICO’s investment in North Halmahera, highlighting the company’s role in transforming coconuts into products with economic, social, and cultural value while contributing to poverty reduction across North Maluku.
Meanwhile, Piet Hein Babua, Regent of North Halmahera, emphasized that coconuts are the foundation of the region’s economy, as the majority of local residents depend on coconut farming for their livelihoods. On behalf of the North Halmahera Regional Government, he expressed his appreciation for PT NICO’s contribution to job creation, noting that the company employs approximately 4,000 workers. He added that PT NICO has played a significant role in reducing poverty and driving local economic growth in North Halmahera.
The Regent also conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Indonesia, especially the Minister of Transmigration, for visiting North Halmahera and demonstrating the central government’s commitment to strengthening regional economic infrastructure and encouraging investment. He noted that these efforts are expected to have a significant impact on improving the welfare of the people of North Halmahera and North Maluku as a whole.
