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AKARTA: Australian saltmaker Cheetam Salt Ltd. is considering opening a plant in Nagekeo regency in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), according to a senior government official.

“We are talking with Cheetam, an Australian company, about the possible development of a salt plant in NTT,” Industry Minister M.S Hidayat said.

He said the company intended to invest US$15 million in the plant, which would employ 1,600 people and sit on a 1,500-hectare plot, and $6 million to build a port.

NTT provincial secretary Frans Salem said he expected the plan would be realized after Hidayat and Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto discussed how the plant would affect irrigation in Nagekeo regency.

“We must choose the option that is more beneficial for the people of NTT,” Franz said.

The province has the potential to become a national center for salt production due to its relatively long dry season.

Total annual Indonesian salt production is currently1.3 million tons, against a local demand of about 2 million tons.