Desain Pengembangan Komoditas Unggulan di Kawasan Transmigrasi Bahari Tomini Raya, Sulawesi Tengah

Abstract

The Bahari Tomini Raya Transmigration Area in Parigi Moutong Regency is a strategic zone with vast natural resource potential, particularly in the plantation subsector. However, it has not yet fully optimized its contribution to community welfare. Through the mentoring activities of the Patriot Expedition Team from IPB University (August–December 2025), a comprehensive study was conducted involving potential identification, area mapping, value chain analysis, and economic assessments to formulate an integrated development design for leading commodities from upstream to downstream. Research findings indicate that coconut, cocoa, and durian are the primary leading commodities of the region. This is supported by a consistently high Location Quotient (LQ) for the agricultural sector, which serves as the region's economic base. Nevertheless, the supply chains for these three commodities remain weak, characterized by limited infrastructure, low quality standards, a lack of post-harvest technology, and farmers' dependency on middleman collectors. On the other hand, durian plays a significant seasonal economic role and has strengthened Parigi Moutong's identity as a premier durian-producing regency. Based on field findings, the regional development strategy is directed toward: Enhancing commodity productivity through intensification and plantation rejuvenation; Downstream processing (hilirisasi) of agricultural products, such as establishing processing centers for Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), cocoa fermentation, and processed durian products; Improving supply chains and market access by developing marketing systems based on Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and offtaker partnerships; and strengthening village economic institutions and increasing the capacity of extension workers and farmer groups. Improving production roads is an urgent necessity, as high transportation costs currently suppress farmers' income. Furthermore, strengthening regional market networks is crucial to enhancing the competitiveness of local products. Overall, this area has the potential to become a new center of economic growth if strategies based on local potential are consistently implemented through collaboration between central and local governments, academia, business actors, and the community. With an integrated and sustainable approach, the Bahari Tomini Raya area stands a great chance of becoming a model for independent, productive, and inclusive transmigration development.