<![CDATA[Polewali Mandar Regency has substantial sugar palm resources, yet the development of the palm sugar home industry is constrained by the absence of a distribution map and a weak competitive position. This study maps the spatial distribution of palm sugar processing units using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and assesses clustering with the Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) statistic, and then identifies cluster-forming components using Porter’s Diamond to support local economic development. Coordinates of processing units were collected through field surveys and interviews and analysed within the administrative boundary of Polewali Mandar Regency. The ANN results indicate a statistically significant clustered pattern, with the highest concentrations in the northern and northeastern uplands where sugar palm trees are abundant, suggesting agglomeration economies. Porter’s Diamond analysis shows that the agglomeration has evolved toward a functional cluster with a complete structure, consisting of core processors, related food-and-beverage MSMEs, and supporting services (packaging, machinery/equipment, and logistics). The cluster is reinforced by Triple Helix collaboration: government provides enabling facilities (e.g., packaging support and SME promotion), academia contributes knowledge and technology transfer, and financial institutions help address financing constraints. The findings offer a spatial basis for zoning and infrastructure prioritisation and for value-chain upgrading of the palm sugar cluster.]]>
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