Ambon, June 10 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has approved the development of downstream coconut and cassava processing in Maluku to increase the added value of agricultural products and support poverty alleviation in the region.

Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa discussed the approval in a written statement received in Ambon on Tuesday, June 9. The decision followed a meeting with the agriculture minister and ministry officials in Jakarta.

"The minister has approved coconut commodity development and downstream processing in Southeast Maluku, the Tanimbar Islands, the Aru Islands, and Southwest Maluku," Lewerissa said.

"This is a strategic step. Coconut is closely related to the people's lives and has significant economic ...