East Nusa Tenggara discusses salt industry opportunities for Indian investors

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena received a visit from Agus Saptono, Indonesian Consul General in Mumbai for the 2019–2023 period, Kuswadi Saibun, a local partner of Indian investor, and young East Nusa Tenggara entrepreneur Diki Ola at the East Nusa Tenggara Governor's Office on Mar. 5, 2025. The visit discussed investment opportunities in the province's salt industry by Indian company Dev Salt Pvt Ltd (DSPL).

DPSL is the salt industry subsidiary of Dev Group of Companies. Established in 1987, the company is known as a producer and supplier of high-quality salt and liquid bromine for the global market. In the meeting, Agus expressed DSPL's interest in the salt potential in East Nusa Tenggara and hoped to conduct a survey and further discussions with the relevant offices.

"We, representing the Indian salt company, Dev Salt Pvt Ltd, would like to express our interest towards the salt [industry] potential of East Nusa Tenggara. We want to conduct a survey and further discussions in several potential locations," he explained.

Melkiades welcomed the investment plan and emphasized that the salt industry is one of the development priorities in East Nusa Tenggara according to the direction of President Prabowo Subianto.

"East Nusa Tenggara must secure the salt, seaweed, and corn sectors. Our salt land potential is spread across various regions such as Sabu, Kupang Regency, East Sumba, and Nagekeo. This is a good prospect that must be executed immediately," he said.

In addition, the governor also emphasized that the development of the salt industry in East Nusa Tenggara, should the salt it produces be processed properly, is expected to improve the regional economy and provide a positive impact on the local community.

The meeting was also attended by other East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government officials in a show of support for the investment plan across various related sectors. They include Community and Village Empowerment Office Head Viktor Manek, Marine and Fisheries Office Head Sulastri Rasyid, as well as Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Office Head Lery Rupidara.

As a follow-up, the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government and investors will identify the potential land to develop for the salt industry investment and discuss technical matters related to regulations and infrastructure support.

"We want to ensure that the process runs according to the applicable regulations and provides optimal benefits for the region," said Melki.

The investment is expected to turn East Nusa Tenggara into one of the main salt producers in Indonesia, reduce the province'sdependence on imports, and increase the competitiveness of the local industry in the international market.

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