Gov’t to Revitalize Cacao, Coconut Industries
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto gives his press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (07/10). (Photo by: PR/Seno)
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Wednesday (07/10), at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, stated that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave directives to the Palm Plantations Funding Management Board (BPDPKS) to replant and develop cocoa and coconut-based industries.
According to Airlangga, Indonesia’s cocoa production is currently around 180,000 tons with an export value of US$1.3 billion, while coconut production is around 2.8 million tons with an export value of US$1.2 billion. Apart from that, the area of cocoa and coconut plantations is around 1.3 million hectares and 3.3 million hectares, respectively.
“To meet the domestic demand of 40 percent, there has been export duty on cocoa between 0 and 15 percent depending on the price. The policy has generated around US$46.9 million annually,” the Minister said, adding that the cocoa production must be doubled since the amount of plantation area is decreasing.
Airlangga further said that the domestic demand for cocoa can only be fulfilled by 45 percent, so the country must import as many as 50 percent of cocoa to meet the demand.
“It is important for smallholders or community plantations to obtain cocoa seeds from universities or research centers funded by the BPDPKS to revitalize cocoa and coconut,” the Minister remarked. (FID/ABD) (GWH/AW)
