The Government Boosts Sales of Indonesian Traditional Spices in the Global Market

Jakarta, Kompas.com - The government seeks to echo the wealth of traditional Indonesian spices and seasonings through a program titled Indonesia Spice Up The World, the result of cross-sectoral collaboration between ministries and institutions. This was discussed in an inter-ministerial coordination meeting chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan today, Friday (28/5).

"The main goal is to increase the growth of processed food exports, especially spices through the use of global production chains and expansion of target markets, "  he said as quoted in a written statement. 

He explained that this program was launched because of concerns related to the lack of recognition of authentic Indonesian spices, even though they have a distinctive taste and high potential. Utilization of potential that has not been optimal, is reflected in the sales of Indonesian spices, which are only able to meet 0.67 percent of the needs for spices in Africa and around 3.87 percent of the needs in Australia. 

" Indonesia needs to encourage the increase in food seasoning products and restaurants as Indonesian culinary showcases abroad," he added.

Therefore, in an effort to introduce Indonesian spices to foreign countries, the Ministry of Trade plays a role by making a mapping regarding the spice and spice trade chain, especially for the African region. In addition, by encouraging the launch of Indonesia Spice Up The World at the upcoming World Expo which will take place in Dubai. In this regard, coordination will be carried out with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Luhut also asked the Association of Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs (GAPMMI) to support the successful launch of the wealth of Indonesian spices in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry plays a role by continuing to encourage spice-producing centers to increase the added value of spice commodities. Improvement of the food safety system is also carried out through certification which can increase the competitiveness of Indonesian spice industry players.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Transportation ensures its support for the Indonesia Spice Up The World program by providing and smoothing accommodation. So that culinary industry players abroad can easily access Indonesian spices. According to Luhut, culinary industry players abroad most need support in terms of trade regulations and in terms of transportation. He believes that with the support of the government, this will provide space for Indonesian spice and seasoning products to develop in the world.

" We need to develop a target plan, so there is a measure so that we know how far we have worked. We can also look for success stories of Indonesian culinary businesses abroad as pilots, "  he concluded.  

Source: Yohana Artha Uly-Kompas.com; https://www.kemendag.go.id/id/newsroom/media-corner/pemerintah-genjot-penjualan-bumbu-tradisional-indonesia-di-pasar-global