Kupang, E. Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – Construction of the National Salt Industry Center (K-SIGN) in Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara, is progressing on schedule, with initial production set to begin in September 2026, the government confirmed.Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan confirmed the timeline Thursday during an inspection of the modern salt production facility and its accompanying 10,000-ton National Salt Warehouse in East Nusa Tenggara.”If this area is successful, not only will Rote progress, but Indonesia will become more self-sufficient in meeting its salt needs. Imports can be continuously reduced, the regional economy will grow, and coastal communities will reap tangible benefits,” Zulkifli added.The facility is currently in Phase II, expanding land development to 751.32 hectares.Total active development spans 1,368.25 hectares, with future public-private partnerships poised to scale the hub up to 10,764 hectares.Designed as a modern, integrated production center, K-SIGN targets an annual productivity rate of 200 tons per hectare, yielding high-purity salt with a sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration of up to 97 percent to meet both industrial and consumer demand.To support local employment, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry will provide technical training and certification to equip nearby residents with modern salt management skills.Local residents welcomed the project's potential to boost economic mobility in the region.”We are grateful that Rote was chosen as a national salt industrial area,” said Nixon, a local resident.”Young people will no longer have to travel far to find work. We want Rote's salt to meet Indonesia's needs and become a source of pride for our region,” he added.