The Central Java Provincial Government is intensifying its efforts to elevate the quality of local agricultural products to meet growing international demand. This commitment is reflected in the region's impressive export performance, with agricultural and MSME shipments reaching IDR 18.2 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.
Defransisco Dasilva, Head of the Central Java Agriculture and Plantation Office (Distanbun), highlighted that while local production is sufficient for domestic needs, scaling up for the global market presents challenges in quantity, quality, and continuity. To address this, the administration is prioritizing a consolidated approach through farmer groups (Gapoktan) to achieve the necessary economies of scale.
Government support now includes comprehensive post-harvest facilities such as packing houses and cold storage, alongside technical guidance on Good Handling Practices (GHP). Furthermore, processing assistance—ranging from equipment provision to quality standardization and halal certification—is being rolled out to add value to raw commodities.
The strategic push has already yielded tangible results, with recent shipments including bird's nests to China, frozen stingray and shrimp crackers to the Netherlands, and coffee beans to the UAE. By fostering synergy between relevant agencies and empowering the region's 8,200 farmer groups, Central Java aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global agricultural trade.
