The success of Sidrap Regency in managing porang cultivation to become a leading commodity has caught the attention of international academics. Recently, a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) made an official visit to Sidrap to study in depth the industry development model and supply chain of the porang plant implemented in the region.
In the meeting held at the Sidrap SKPD Complex on Monday (6/7/2026), the Regent of Sidrap, Syaharuddin Alrif, explained the transformation of porang from a newly introduced plant into a driver of the community's economy. The Regent emphasized that this success is inseparable from local government regulatory support, technical assistance for farmers, and the continuously optimized expansion of market access.
The UTM delegation, consisting of experts from the Azman Hashim International Business School and the Faculty of Science, delved into various technical and strategic aspects. Intensive discussions covered local government policies, the effectiveness of cultivation technology, quality standards, and sustainable investment schemes. This visit was also accompanied by representatives from Hasanuddin University to strengthen cross-border research and innovation collaboration.
The Sidrap Regency Government stated its commitment to continue strengthening this sector to improve farmers' welfare. It is hoped that the synergy between the Sidrap Regency Government and UTM will not only serve as an exchange of knowledge, but also open up opportunities for long-term research cooperation that can strengthen Sidrap's position as a reference center for porang industry development in the region.