Minister Urges Sigi Regency to Optimize Tourism and Export Potential

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) has urged Sigi Regency, located in Central Sulawesi, to optimize its rural assets by developing Tourism Villages and Export Villages.

Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Minister Yandri Susanto conveyed the message during an audience with Sigi Regent Mohamad Rizal Intjenae in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He committed to providing national-level mentorship to help the regency harness its geological and agricultural potential.

Minister Yandri emphasized that Sigi is well-positioned to benefit from global demand for specialty agricultural products and eco-tourism. He encouraged the regency to adapt successful models from other regions to local strengths.

“Tourism villages, export villages, plantations, and livestock are good for economic activities. Later, examples of successful tourism or export villages can be modified and adjusted to regional potential because there are many successful examples,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The meeting also discussed integrated rural programs, including the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa Merah Putih), which aim to strengthen local capital and financial independence.

These initiatives are being aligned with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to ensure village production supports national health and nutrition goals. The government is also prioritizing the development of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) to professionalize rural asset management and drive sustainable economic growth.

Regent Rizal highlighted Sigi’s natural wealth, centered on Lore Lindu National Park, which combines mountainous landscapes, Lake Lindu, and endemic flora and fauna. He noted that the area also supports freshwater fisheries and extensive agricultural activity.

With 10,000 hectares of land dedicated to cocoa, Sigi has the capacity to become a significant player in the international chocolate market. “Around the lake, there are rice fields, plantations, and even livestock. The potential for coffee, chocolate, and durian is also very good. There are about 10,000 hectares that can be used for cocoa or chocolate,” Rizal explained.

Minister Yandri welcomed Sigi’s vision and advised the local administration to focus on high-yield commodities. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to mentoring, ensuring that Sigi’s efforts to develop tourism and export villages are supported with professional guidance in logistics and global standards. ***