Desain Pengembangan Komoditas Unggulan Spesifik Kawasan Transmigrasi Salimbatu

Abstract

The Salimbatu Transmigration Area in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, is a nationally prioritized region that plays a strategic role in strengthening food security and fostering local resource–based economic development. This study aims to formulate a development design for area-specific leading commodities through the identification of commodity potential, value chain assessment, economic feasibility review, and the preparation of integrated upstream–downstream strategies. A mixed-methods approach comprising a survey of 181 transmigrant, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and literature review was employed to obtain comprehensive data. The selection of leading commodities utilized the AHP, community perception analysis, and FGD validation, while the BMC and Cartesian Diagram were applied to assess downstream opportunities and performance gaps. The findings identify four leading commodities. Chili emerges as the main driver of local horticultural development due to strong market demand and opportunities for processed products. Rice functions as a critical food-security crop and remains culturally significant. Coconut offers the widest downstream potential, supporting agroforestry systems and household microenterprises with prospects for industry. Spring onion, though relatively small in scale, contributes to daily household income stability. Despite constraints involving production inputs, distribution efficiency, post-harvest practices, and institutional capacity, the area holds considerable opportunities for value addition especially through expanded coconut processing and optimization of the chili supply chain to meet regional demand in Tanjung Selor. Strategic interventions in infrastructure enhancement, institutional strengthening, financing access, and downstream development are recommended to advance Salimbatu’s transition toward an adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable agribusiness system.