Economic Potential and Policy Opportunities for Coconut Development in Simeulue, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64670/jmei.v2i1.149Keywords:
Coconut Economy, Policy Discourse, Value Creation, Rural Development, SimeulueAbstract
Coconut is an important commodity in Simeulue, Indonesia, yet its contribution to local economic development remains largely concentrated on primary production and raw commodity trading. This study rethinks coconut-based economic development by examining how local policy discourse frames the economic potential, value creation, and development priorities of the coconut sector. Using a qualitative approach and critical discourse analysis, the study draws on policy documents, development programs, and interviews with farmers, traders, processors, and local government actors. The findings indicate that coconut development is still predominantly framed around production, productivity, and commodity output, while downstream processing, product diversification, market integration, technology adoption, and producer institutions receive comparatively limited attention. Such framing influences policy priorities and constrains broader opportunities for local value creation. The study argues that coconut-based development in Simeulue requires a shift from a production-oriented approach toward a more integrated economic strategy that connects processing, entrepreneurship, market access, technology, and institutional coordination. Reframing coconut development in this way could strengthen local value addition, diversify rural livelihoods, and expand the economic contribution of coconut beyond the harvest itself
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