Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, also known as Zulhas, officially launched the export of areca nuts from Jambi Province to Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh on Saturday. "The areca nut exports from Kumpeh, Muaro Jambi, showcase this region as one of the largest production centers in Jambi. I aim to ensure this key commodity competes effectively in international markets," stated Zulhas in Jambi. Indonesia is the world's leading areca nut exporter, supplying 35 percent of global demand. The Ministry of Trade is committed to maintaining and strengthening this position by supporting national exports, including areca nuts, through market access expansion, exporter assistance, and promotional facilities. Zulhas urged exporters to take advantage of these Ministry of Trade programs. The minister expressed hope that this export launch would serve as a catalyst for expanding market access for Indonesian products, thereby driving both national and regional economic growth.
He also addressed the current decline in areca nut prices, attributing it to competition from other exporting countries with similar products. "We have worked hard to increase prices, even holding multiple meetings with India's trade minister. India is a major market and sets our prices due to its domestic production. Nonetheless, we continue to pursue trade diplomacy," Zulhas explained. The government focuses on assisting farmers in developing Indonesia's competitive commodities, particularly in Jambi. "We need to enhance our strengths, such as cocoa, coffee, pepper, cloves, areca nuts, and cinnamon," he emphasized. Andika Sakali, CEO of PT Best Star Indonesia, the exporting company, expressed gratitude and welcomed the minister to their production warehouse. He highlighted that exporting is not merely a business transaction but also a responsibility to improve the welfare of all stakeholders, including farmers. "In 2024, from January to July, we have exported 168 containers, totaling over 4,000 tons of areca nuts to various countries," Sakali added. This initiative reflects the government's ongoing efforts to boost Indonesia's export performance and support its agricultural sector.
