Indonesia’s Gambier Commodity Excels in Foreign Markets

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Entering the 1st quarter of 2021, the agriculture sector remains resilient amid the COVID-19 pandemic by growing by 2.95% (yoy). The government continues to boost the export of regional superior and potential commodities in international markets, one of which is gambier.

Deputy for Food and Agribusiness Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy Musdhalifah Machmud said that Indonesia is a supplier of 80% of gambier commodities in the global market.

"Demand for gambier from India as the main destination for gambier exports also continues to increase, reaching 13-14 thousand tons per year. Besides India, Indonesia's gambier export market includes Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Malaysia," she said.

Musdhalifah said that West Sumatra is able to supply 80-90% of the total national gambier production where 90% of gambier production in this province comes from Lima Puluh Kota Regency.

Gambir commodity is one of the leading commodities in West Sumatra since many farmers depend on this cultivation for their lives. The quantity and value of West Sumatra gambier exports tend to increase, making West Sumatra a national gambier barometer.

"Gambier commodities have various benefits and diversification of processed products ranging from mixed ingredients for the food and beverage industry, raw materials for the health and pharmaceutical industries, raw materials for the anti-aging and antioxidant cosmetics industry, as well as one of the necessary ingredients of betel nut chewing culture," he said.

Musdhalifah recommended that gambier commodity exports be directed at product downstreaming for increase added value. This is in line with the Government's program to improve a more competitive investment climate as mandated in the Job Creation Law. This law supports ease of doing business whose goal is to increase income for the country and attract returns for investors.

However, the development of gambier commodities is still hampered by price fluctuations, processing technology that needs to be improved, and difficulty in finding gambier processing workers.

Musdhalifah reminded that gambier industrialization needs to increase added value to create multiplier effects on the regional economy. (Photo: Ekon Public Relations)

Reporter/Writer: Isma