News
The inauguration ceremony of Executive Director of the International Coconut Community (ICC) was held on January 23, at Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta in which Mr. Uron. N Salum relinquished the charge of ICC Executive Director and Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw assumes charge as ICC Executive Director. The event was attended by many dignitaries including Maj Gen (ret) Endang Sodiq who represented chairman of Indonesian farmers association/ presidential Chief of Staff Gen (ret) Moeldoko, Mr. Antonius Yudi ANLO for Indonesia who represented Mr. Iman Pambagyo, Indonesian Director General of International Trade Negotiation and NLO for Indonesia. Dr. Agus Wahyudi, Acting Secretary of Indonesian Agriculture Research Agency (IAARD) and Dr. Syarafuddin, the director ICECRD attended the event. International delegates including Mr. Kili Tambua, Chairman of Kokonas Indastries Koperesen, Papua New Guinea and Ms. Irene Kernot, Research Program Manager, ACIAR were present on the occasion. Representatives from Embassies of Fiji, India, Sri Lanka, PNG, Thailand and Ambassador of Salomon Islands grace the occasion. A total of 90 officers which including those from Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade, Government of Indonesia attended the function. Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw took oath of office as the ICC Executive Director in the function which was witnessed by all the members present on the event.
Outgoing ICC Executive Director Mr. Uron N Salum in his farewell speech expressed that he is confident that ICC could play a greater role in improving the welfare of the coconut farmers in member countries and can elevate the coconut industry from a “sunset industry into a sunrise industry”. He added that there is possibility to increase the number of ICC member countries from the existing 20 to possibly 30 countries in near future.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw after assuming ICC Executive Director in her brief remark shared that with the help of National Liaison Officer (NLO) of member countries and other stakeholders, she could revive coconut industry to become a sunrise industry. She will work hard to increase ICC membership. Dr. Jelfina further added that coconut is increasingly getting very good attentions from government and the private sectors. “High demand in global market for both food and non-food coconut-based products has proved its importance and new hope for better price for coconut at farmer’s level”. She expressed her full support to the betterment and welfare of the Community and maintains a cordial relation with all the member countries and the stakeholders. On the occasion, Dr. Jelfina thanked Mr. Uron for his strong dedication and valuable contribution to the ICC during his six years of service as Executive Director and appreciated his contributions for the upliftment of the Community.
(ICC Publication & Information)