JABAR EKSPRES – The quality of palm sugar produced by palm farmers in Kabaena Island, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) is still guaranteed.

The price of the palm sugar produced by the craftsmen, which is made from the water of the palm trees, is still higher than the price of palm sugar from other districts in Southeast Sulawesi.

“The quality of Bombana’s sugar is maintained, so it’s only natural that the price in the market remains top compared to sugar products from other regions,” said Head of the Southeast Sulawesi Industry and Trade Office, Sitti Saleha, in Kendari, Wednesday (5/31).

She said that the distinctive feature of Bombana sugar is its unique packaging, which is neatly wrapped in palm leaves, while palm sugar products from other regions use forest wood leaves and even plastic.

In terms of the quality of Bombana sugar, Saleha said, it is also clear and reddish-yellow in color and solid. In fact, it can reach 1.2 kilograms to 1.5 kilograms in one fruit.

“What is certain is that Bombana palm sugar remains at a high price of Rp18,000 per kg and buyers never bargain because the quality is unquestionable,” said Saleha, who is also a daughter of Bombana.

According to Saleha, the price of brown sugar is Rp18,000 per kilogram at the production farmer level, while at the intermediary trader level, it now reaches Rp22,000 per kilogram to Rp23,000 per kg.

“Even last Ramadhan, the price reached Rp25,000 per kilogram, due to high consumer demand,” she said.

He said that Bombana palm sugar has become a favorite souvenir for guests to buy and bring home when they visit the area.