INDONESIA – PT Frisian Flag Indonesia (FFI), a subsidiary of FrieslandCampina, has officially inaugurated its new factory in Sukamahi village, Cikarang district, Bekasi regency.
This new facility, covering 25.4 hectares, represents FrieslandCampina’s largest investment to date, valued at US$277.5 million.
The factory is set to process 400,000 kilograms of milk per day, equating to 700 million kilograms of dairy products annually, with the potential to expand to 1 billion kilograms. The products include fluid milk and sweet condensed milk.
Berend van Wel, President Director of PT FFI, emphasized that the construction of this factory aims to increase milk consumption in Indonesia, which, according to 2021 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), stands at 16.27 kilograms per capita per year.
This is significantly lower than Malaysia’s 50 kilograms, Thailand’s 44 kilograms, and the Philippines’ 24 kilograms per capita per year.
“The most important point for us behind the opening of this factory is how we can contribute to the health and nutrition of the Indonesian people,” Van Wel stated.
Andrew Saputro, Corporate Affairs Director of PT FFI, highlighted that FrieslandCampina has conducted Southeast Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) in 2012 and 2022.
The latest survey revealed that one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunted growth, a concern that has driven PT FFI to address Indonesia’s nutritional challenges.
“With this new factory, we can provide more nutritious dairy products to Indonesian families,” Saputro said.
The Cikarang FFI factory is the third facility built by PT FFI, following factories in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta (1971), and Ciracas, East Jakarta (1972). Frisian Flag, also known as Susu Bendera, has been a staple in the Indonesian market since 1922.
Putu Juli Ardika, Director General of the Agro-Industry Republic of Indonesia, inaugurated the new factory. He appreciated FrieslandCampina’s investment, noting that it supports Indonesia’s economic growth, promotes welfare, and strengthens its self-sufficiency.
Ardika also hoped this significant investment would boost foreign investor confidence in Indonesia.
Jan Derck van Karnebeek, CEO of FrieslandCampina, stated, “This new production facility, the largest investment in our international production network ever, will serve as a central hub for Southeast Asia.
It is a testament to our dedication to providing affordable, high-quality, and nutritious dairy products for current and future generations in Indonesia and the region, produced in harmony with people and the planet.”
He added that Frisian Flag Indonesia supports the government’s efforts to improve prosperity in the region.
Van Wel noted that the inauguration of the Cikarang dairy plant marks a pivotal moment for FrieslandCampina and FFI, allowing the company to play a more prominent role in developing a sustainable Indonesian dairy sector.
Besides producing nutritious dairy products for Indonesian households, the factory aims to minimize environmental impact.
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