Jembrana Regency in Bali has earned a global reputation as a top-notch producer of cocoa beans. These beans, exported to various countries, serve as key ingredients in esteemed chocolate products. Looking beyond mere cocoa bean production, Bupati I Nengah Tamba endeavors to expand Jembrana's cocoa sector downstream. The vision for this expansion materializes in the form of a chocolate factory known as Factory Sharing Kakao Jembrana. Positioned in Kaliakah Village, Negara Sub-district, this factory is slated for inauguration in mid-December by Indonesia's Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Teten Masduki. Bupati Tamba underscores that the cocoa-to-chocolate processing factory resulted from collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Cooperatives, and SMEs. Of the three existing factory sharings in Indonesia, Jembrana's operation stands as the most efficient and ready for operation, attests Bupati Tamba following inspections and trial runs with The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and Puslitkoka Jember on December 5.
Bupati Tamba underscores the multifaceted advantages of the newly established Factory Sharing in Jembrana for cocoa production. This initiative not only aids local farmers by ensuring consistent markets and profitable rates but also streamlines cocoa production processes. Jembrana's high-quality cocoa, cultivated by unified farmer groups, has gained global recognition as a top export commodity. The Factory Sharing model aims to shift the selling process: farmers will supply cocoa beans to cooperatives within the factory for processing into diverse products like chocolate bars and cocoa powder. Despite pending inauguration, Bupati Tamba introduces the local chocolate brands, 'Cobana' and 'Coklat Pak Ngah,' targeting the youth. These products will be unveiled at year-end SME exhibitions, promoting them through collaborations with local SMEs. His vision is to instill pride among Jembrana's youth for homegrown chocolates, fostering a cultural appreciation for locally-made goods.
Source: https://www.nusabali.com/berita/156355/hilirisasi-sektor-kakao-jembrana-segera-miliki-pabrik-cokelat
