Indonesia is broadening its downstream industry policy to include benzoin resin (kemenyan), a high-value but underutilized commodity with strong export potential, particularly from North Sumatra. National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan highlighted the resin’s wide applications in cosmetics, food, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals, and emphasized its socio-economic importance to communities in North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan. In 2024, the country exported 43,000 tons of benzoin worth over $52 million, yet farm-gate prices remain low due to limited local processing. To address this, Luhut called for community-based downstream development using simple, scalable technologies like steam distillation to produce value-added products such as benzoin oil and standardized resins. He stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration, including ministries, local governments, and businesses, supported by digital mapping to inform development strategies. Framing the initiative within President Prabowo’s broader industrial agenda, Luhut positioned benzoin as a model for inclusive, village-driven economic growth with global impact.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/benzoin-resin-touted-as-next-big-commodity-in-indonesias-downstream-strategy (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 23 May 2025