On Friday, 6 September 2024, Purbalingga Regent Dyah Hayuning Pratiwi officially declared Tangkisan Village, Mrebet District, as a "Foreign Exchange Village." This decision was based on the success of the majority of villagers, who are coconut sugar tappers and producers, in exporting their products internationally. "The coconut sugar artisans of Tangkisan play a crucial role in boosting the local economy," said Regent Tiwi at the Joint Business Group (KUB) Meeting of Organic Coconut Sugar Artisans (Keeping Mas Bunga Palm) during the event. According to the Regent, coconut sugar is one of the key agricultural potentials of Purbalingga, with around 5400 hectares of coconut plantations and approximately 8500 tappers. The coconut sugar industry’s export contributions have earned Purbalingga the Primaniyarta Award from the Indonesian Ministry of Trade.

Tangkisan's coconut sugar is exported to several countries, including the US, Czech Republic, and European nations like the Netherlands. Despite the pandemic, the coconut sugar industry in Purbalingga remained stable. In fact, after the pandemic in 2022, Purbalingga's economic growth surged from -1.32% to 5.42%, surpassing the national and provincial averages. Around 250 tappers and artisans from Tangkisan Village receive support from CV Bunga Palm, a key exporter, ensuring the product meets international standards. CEO of CV Bunga Palm, Dikta Zanwar Arifin, stated that the village produces around 80 tons of organic coconut sugar per month, all for export. Tangkisan is now fully certified as an organic village, with its coconut sugar competing internationally with countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Source: https://www.rri.co.id/purwokerto/bisnis/958607/gula-kelapa-tangkisan-tembus-pasar-ekspor