Constraints on local salt production, why must Indonesia import for industry?

Indonesia is facing a shortfall in its domestic salt production, falling short by around 2.4 million tons annually, necessitating imports to meet industrial demands, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The country's production currently stands at 1.9 million tons, while the required volume is 4.3 million tons. The main issue is the quality of locally produced salt, which fails to meet industry standards due to traditional production methods and weather dependency. The Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association (AIPGI) is advocating for technological advancements and urges the government to promote innovation to enhance the quality of local salt. The association is open to any technology that can produce high-quality salt, aiming to boost the country's global market competitiveness. Additionally, there is a misconception that all Indonesian seawater can be used for salt production, when in reality, only specific beaches and regions with certain sea characteristics are suitable for the process.

Domestic salt production is still unable to meet industrial needs. Especially in strategic sectors such as various foods and pharmaceuticals. This condition forces Indonesia to continue to import salt from other countries. ADVERTISEMENT "Until today, local salt farmers have not been able to meet the needs of our industry," Chairman of the Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association (AIPGI) Cucu Sutara told reporters in Bandung, Thursday (10/24/2024). Also Read: Beware! Excessive Salt Consumption Can Cause Death, This is Ajinomoto's Solution Cucu said that importing salt from several countries such as Australia is an unavoidable solution, considering that the need for salt for industry reaches 4.3 million tons per year. While domestic production is only around 1.9 million tons. One of the main obstacles is the quality of local salt which does not meet industry standards. The salt needed for sectors such as various foods and pharmaceuticals must have a NaCl content above 97.5 percent ...