https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/indonesia indonesia https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4733/indonesia-expands-animal-health-exports-with-21-3-million-africa-shipment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4733/indonesia-expands-animal-health-exports-with-21-3-million-africa-shipment.html Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:42:05 +0530 Indonesia is taking its animal-health industry into new markets in Africa, with the country’s first major shipment of domestically produced animal vaccines to four African nations valued at $21.3 million. The inaugural export by Vaksindo was launched on September 24 and targets Zambia, Congo, Uganda and Malawi with 10 types of poultry vaccines designed to help control diseases that can affect livestock productivity. The shipment includes vaccines against Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bronchitis (IB) and infectious bursal disease (IBD), among other poultry diseases. For Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the shipment represents more than a new sales destination. It is also evidence that the country’s animal-health manufacturing base is developing enough capacity to serve domestic requirements while competing in international markets. “This is an extraordinary achievement and we support efforts to expand exports. We must be capable of not only producing goods for domestic needs but also exporting them,” said Agung Suganda, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture. From domestic demand to export capacity The expansion comes as Indonesia’s animal-health industry seeks to convert growing domestic manufacturing capabilities into a wider export business. Suganda said local production is now meeting domestic demand for avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease vaccines, creating additional manufacturing capacity that companies can direct towards overseas markets. Vaksindo’s product portfolio is heavily focused on poultry vaccines, including products targeting AI, ND and IB. The company’s entry into Africa therefore builds on an established manufacturing base rather than representing a shift into an unfamiliar product category. The government sees the development as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s animal-health industry while creating new international markets for locally manufactured veterinary products. Africa becomes the next growth market The African shipment expands Vaksindo’s geographical reach beyond the markets it has already developed across Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The company had previously exported animal vaccines and medicines to more than 25 countries. It currently exports to 29 countries and expects its export value to reach US$26 million in 2026. The Africa shipment forms part of that expansion strategy and could provide a platform for further market development across the continent. But gaining access to new veterinary markets is not simply a matter of identifying demand. Animal-health products must meet country-specific regulatory and technical requirements, making registration and market authorisation a critical part of the export process. According to Suganda, companies seeking to enter new markets must submit documentation, undergo product evaluations and meet production-facility audit requirements established by individual destination countries. That regulatory process can make market expansion slower than conventional commodity exports, but it also creates a barrier that can favour manufacturers with established quality systems, regulatory capabilities and production infrastructure. Building a global animal-health business Vaksindo’s expansion comes against a broader rise in Indonesia’s veterinary medicine exports. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, veterinary medicine exports have been growing by around 22 per cent annually, while Indonesian vaccine products have reached 95 countries. The numbers point to an animal-health industry that is moving beyond its traditional role of supplying the domestic livestock sector. Poultry is particularly important to that strategy. Diseases such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease can affect flock health and productivity, creating recurring demand for preventive animal-health products in poultry-producing regions. The next test is scale The $ 21.3 million Africa shipment provides an immediate boost to Indonesia’s animal-health export ambitions, but the longer-term opportunity will depend on converting first-market access into recurring business. Vaksindo’s $ 26 million export target for 2026 provides a near-term benchmark for that expansion. The company’s existing presence in 29 countries gives it a foundation from which to pursue further markets. The growth of veterinary medicine exports is being viewed as an indicator of the country’s expanding capabilities in animal-health manufacturing and product development. Africa is therefore the latest chapter in a broader export story: Indonesia is increasingly seeking to turn the production capacity built to meet domestic livestock-health needs into an international animal-health business. The immediate shipment may be headed to four African countries, but the larger ambition is global—building an Indonesian veterinary-products industry capable of competing across markets where livestock productivity, disease prevention and food security are becoming increasingly interconnected. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4656/indonesia-takes-lobster-farming-from-trial-to-export.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4656/indonesia-takes-lobster-farming-from-trial-to-export.html Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:43:06 +0530 Indonesia is moving to scale up lobster aquaculture after a farming trial in Batam produced market-sized lobsters that were successfully sold to Singapore — an early indication that the country can build a more predictable export supply chain around farmed lobster. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries said 339.5 kilograms of lobsters produced through the Batam trial were sold to Singapore and received a positive market response. The next shipment is targeted for November 2026. The milestone is important because the model is designed to take lobsters from the lobster larvae stage, known as BBL, through to market size, rather than relying predominantly on wild catches. “This shows we can farm lobsters from the BBL stage to market size, and the output can already be sold and exported,” said Tb Haeru Rahayu, Director General of Aquaculture at Indonesia’s Fisheries Ministry. From Batam Trial to National Production Network The ministry now wants to take the Batam model beyond a single demonstration site. Plans are under way to establish a similar lobster-farming model in Situbondo, East Java, alongside existing initiatives in Batam and West Nusa Tenggara. The proposed regional structure is intended to create a geographically distributed production network. Batam would serve western Indonesia, Situbondo the central region, and Lombok and other areas of West Nusa Tenggara the eastern region. The objective is not simply to increase farm capacity. Indonesia wants to build a supply chain capable of delivering more consistent volumes to both domestic and export markets. That could address one of aquaculture’s biggest advantages over wild capture: predictability. Singapore Provides an Early Market Test The Batam harvest has already undergone a commercial test in Singapore. Sugianto, an exporter of crabs and lobsters to Singapore and China, said his company initially conducted market trials before larger-scale harvesting. The farmed lobsters remained in good condition during transport and performed well during testing in the Singapore market. “The quality is good, and the lobsters remain healthy. They arrived at the holding facility in good condition. We also tested exports to Singapore, and the response was very positive,” Sugianto said. The response gives Indonesia an early indication that farmed lobster can meet the logistical and quality requirements of an established regional seafood market. Aquaculture Could Reduce Wild-Catch Dependence The larger opportunity lies in supply consistency. Lobster markets can be constrained by the availability and variability of wild catches. Farm production, if scaled successfully, could provide a more predictable source of supply while creating a dedicated production base for export markets. The ministry expects the expansion to increase lobster-farming capacity and establish a supply chain aligned with market demand. For Indonesia, the challenge now shifts from proving that lobsters can be farmed commercially to proving that the model can be scaled economically, consistently and across multiple regions. Batam has supplied the first proof point. The planned expansion to Situbondo and West Nusa Tenggara will test whether that success can become a national aquaculture strategy — and ultimately give Indonesia a larger role in the regional farmed-lobster trade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4499/90000-tonne-dap-tender-signals-strong-indonesian-fertilizer-demand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4499/90000-tonne-dap-tender-signals-strong-indonesian-fertilizer-demand.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:17:57 +0530 Pupuk Indonesia has launched a tender to purchase 90,000 metric tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP), adding fresh demand to an international phosphate market already facing tight supply and elevated input costs. The state-owned Indonesian fertilizer group closed the initial submission round for the tender on August 10, according to market participants cited by Argus Media. The tender was issued on August 7 on behalf of four of Pupuk Indonesia’s subsidiaries, with deliveries scheduled between September and November. The procurement covers light or yellow granular DAP in 16-45 and 18-46 grades. Offers are required on a cost-and-freight basis, with 18-46 DAP serving as the reference grade. The four participating buyers have specified separate delivery requirements. Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang is seeking 30,000 tonnes for delivery to Boom Baru port, while Petrokimia Gresik is seeking 20,000 tonnes for Gresik port. Pupuk Kalimantan Timur is seeking another 20,000 tonnes for delivery to Bontang port, while Pupuk Kujang is seeking 20,000 tonnes for delivery to either Tanjung Priok or Cigading port. The date for the e-auction pricing round has not yet been announced. Fresh demand enters tight phosphate market The tender comes as international phosphate markets remain under pressure from supply constraints and higher raw-material costs. China’s restrictions on fertilizer exports have tightened the availability of DAP in international markets, while elevated sulfur costs have added to production expenses for phosphate fertilizers. Pupuk Indonesia’s latest procurement also follows its previous DAP tender award on July 16, when the company reportedly purchased DAP at $877 per metric tonne on a cost-and-freight basis, according to Argus. The new tender could provide another important price indication for the Southeast Asian phosphate market, particularly as buyers assess supply availability for the coming months. Geopolitical disruptions support phosphate prices Global phosphate markets are also being influenced by disruptions affecting key fertilizer raw materials and transportation routes. Ongoing disruption to ammonia and sulfur flows through the Strait of Hormuz has added uncertainty to fertilizer supply chains. At the same time, Russia’s sulfur export ban, which is scheduled to remain in place through December 2026, is contributing to concerns over sulfur availability. Sulfur is a critical input for the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers, making developments in the sulfur market an important factor for DAP pricing and availability. The combination of restricted Chinese exports, elevated sulfur costs and geopolitical disruptions is therefore creating a challenging procurement environment for fertilizer buyers across Asia. For Indonesia, the latest Pupuk Indonesia tender underscores the country's continuing need to secure imported phosphate fertilizers amid changing global supply conditions. The September-November delivery window also places the procurement at a strategically important point for fertilizer supply planning. The outcome of the tender and the eventual e-auction pricing will be closely watched by suppliers and buyers as another benchmark for DAP prices in the Asian market. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/117/4474/traceability-moves-from-compliance-to-competitive-advantage.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/117/4474/traceability-moves-from-compliance-to-competitive-advantage.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:38:46 +0530 Traceability is no longer just about ticking boxes on a sustainability checklist—it is becoming a basic condition for doing business in global agricultural markets. With regulations such as the EUDR tightening the rules, companies are under growing pressure to know exactly where their commodities come from and to prove it with reliable data. But the hardest part of this transition is not technology; it is reaching the smallholders and fragmented suppliers who sit at the very beginning of the chain. In this issue, AgroSpectrum features an exclusive interview with Ainu Rofiq, Co-Founder and Board Member at Koltiva, who explains why traceability has moved from a back-office compliance function to a boardroom concern tied directly to revenue and market access. He also makes a compelling case for building systems that farmers can actually use—and benefit from—rather than simply passing the cost of compliance down the supply chain. From satellite monitoring and AI to predictive risk analytics, the next generation of traceability could make supply chains more transparent, proactive and resilient. Ultimately, the companies that treat traceability not as a regulatory burden but as an investment in trust, market access and better supply chains are likely to be the ones that stay ahead. The EUDR is often framed as an environmental regulation, but many companies now see it as a market-access issue. Has traceability officially moved from being a sustainability function to a boardroom-level business imperative? Yes, and honestly it should have happened sooner. For years traceability sat inside sustainability teams, treated as a reporting exercise: collect the data, publish the report, move on. What's changed is that traceability is now the gate you have to pass through to sell into the EU at all. If you can't prove where your commodity came from, down to a geolocation point, you don't get market access. That's not a sustainability conversation anymore, that's a revenue conversation. We've watched this shift happen in real time with our clients. Two years ago, the traceability brief came from a CSR or sustainability lead. Today it's coming from the CEO's office or the board, because the risk isn't reputational anymore, but it's existential to the business line. If your biggest buyer is in Europe and you can't comply, you don't lose a rating, you lose the account. China exports more than €11 billion worth of wood and rubber products to the EU annually. In your assessment, what percentage of exporters are truly prepared for end-to-end traceability requirements, and where are the biggest readiness gaps? I'd be cautious about putting a precise number on readiness, because "prepared" means very different things depending on where you sit in the supply chain. What I can say is that the gap isn't usually at the top of the chain as the large processors and exporters have generally invested in the systems and know what's being asked of them. The gap is upstream, at the smallholder and small-collector level, where land parcels often aren't formally mapped, ownership records are informal, and there's no existing digital infrastructure to plug into. For rubber specifically, this is a bigger problem than for wood, because rubber supply chains run through an enormous number of smallholder tappers, often several layers removed from the exporter through local collectors and traders. Getting a verifiable geolocation point that traces back to an individual plot, at that scale, is the hard part. We often talk about technology as the solution, yet implementation remains the industry's biggest challenge. Why do so many supply chains still struggle to achieve traceability despite the availability of digital tools and platforms? This is because, the technology was never really the bottleneck but trust and behaviour change were. You can hand a smallholder farmer a GPS-enabled app, but if nobody has explained why they should spend twenty minutes mapping their plot, or if they're worried the data will be used against them somehow, adoption stalls. Traceability tools fail in the field, not in the server room. The other honest answer is fragmentation. A lot of companies have bought point solutions. One tool for mapping, another for supplier onboarding, another for compliance reporting that don't talk to each other. So you end up with data sitting in silos, and "traceability" on paper but not an actual verifiable, auditable chain. Real end-to-end traceability requires the field data collection, the supply chain mapping, and the compliance reporting to sit on one connected system, otherwise you're just digitizing the same disconnected process you had before. Buyers are increasingly demanding geolocation data, supplier mapping and auditable sourcing records. Are we witnessing the emergence of a new global procurement standard where transparency becomes as important as price, quality and delivery? I think we're already there, not just witnessing it emerge. Procurement teams at major buyers now have traceability documentation as a pass/fail gate before price negotiation even starts. That's a fundamental change from five years ago, when traceability was a nice-to-have that might tip a decision between two similarly priced suppliers. What's interesting is this isn't staying confined to EU-bound trade. Once a buyer builds traceability into its procurement standard for one market, it tends to apply the same standard globally, because running two different sourcing systems is more expensive than running one. So exporters who build proper traceability infrastructure for EU compliance are finding it pays off with buyers in other markets too. It becomes a baseline expectation, not a regional compliance cost. Smallholders sit at the heart of most forest-risk commodity supply chains. How can the industry ensure that stricter compliance regimes do not unintentionally exclude small producers from global markets? This is the question that keeps me up at night, honestly, because it's the real risk of EUDR-style regulation if implemented badly. If compliance costs and complexity get pushed straight down to individual farmers without support, you exclude exactly the people the regulation is supposed to protect. Smallholders get dropped from supply chains because it's cheaper for buyers to source from large plantations that are already mapped. The industry has to treat inclusion as a design requirement, not an afterthought. That means the cost of mapping and monitoring needs to be absorbed higher up the chain (by exporters, processors, and buyers) not passed down to a farmer earning a few dollars a day. It also means building tools that work for someone with a basic smartphone and limited digital literacy, in their own language, not systems designed for a compliance officer in a head office. And critically, it means pairing traceability with real value — training, access to finance, premium pricing for verified compliant produce — so smallholders see participation as opportunity, not just a new burden imposed on them. Beyond avoiding regulatory penalties, what tangible commercial advantages are companies seeing from investing early in traceability infrastructure? Are there examples where transparency is already creating competitive differentiation? The companies that moved early aren't just compliant, they're first in line when buyers reallocate sourcing away from suppliers who can't meet the new bar. That's the biggest tangible advantage — not a marketing story, a market-share story. When a buyer has to choose which suppliers survive a tightening regulatory environment, the ones with clean, auditable data win the allocation, full stop. There's also a financing angle that doesn't get talked about enough. Verified, traceable supply chains are increasingly attractive to lenders and investors looking at ESG-linked financing, because the data de-risks the investment. Companies with strong traceability infrastructure are finding it easier to access better lending terms, because they can actually prove the claims behind their sustainability commitments instead of just asserting them. The next wave of traceability is likely to involve AI, satellite monitoring, predictive analytics and real-time supply chain intelligence. Which technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact over the next five years, and why? Satellite monitoring paired with AI-driven deforestation alerts is the one I'd bet on first, because it solves the monitoring-at-scale problem that no amount of manual auditing ever could. You can't send a human to physically verify millions of smallholder plots every year but you can run continuous satellite analysis that flags land-use change against a baseline, and only send people to investigate the exceptions. That's the difference between traceability being a once-a-year compliance exercise and an ongoing, living system. Predictive analytics is the less obvious but equally important one. Right now most compliance work is reactive — something goes wrong, you find out, you scramble. The real value over the next five years is shifting to predictive risk scoring: flagging which regions, which suppliers, which commodity flows are at elevated risk of non-compliance before it happens, so companies can intervene early rather than losing a shipment at the border. That's where traceability data stops being a reporting artifact and starts being a genuine management tool. Many companies still view compliance as a cost center. How do you convince CEOs and boards that traceability should be treated as a strategic investment rather than a regulatory expense? I don't try to win that argument on principle, I win it on numbers. I ask what percentage of their revenue currently depends on markets that are tightening traceability requirements. The EU soon, but increasingly others. Once a CEO sees that traceability infrastructure protects a defined slice of revenue, it stops being a line item and starts being risk management. The other argument that lands well in the boardroom is optionality. Once you have clean, verified supply chain data, it opens doors you didn't build the system for: better sustainability reporting, better financing terms, premium buyer relationships, faster onboarding with new customers who no longer need to run their own lengthy due diligence because your data already answers their questions. Compliance is the floor. The strategic value is everything the data lets you do once you have it. Looking ahead to 2030, do you envision a future where every agricultural, forestry and commodity product carries a verifiable digital identity from origin to consumer? What will the global trading system look like if full traceability becomes the norm rather than the exception? I think we're heading there, though I'd be careful about promising every single product by a fixed date — regulation and infrastructure move at different speeds in different markets. What I do think is close to inevitable is that "verifiable digital identity" becomes the expectation for any commodity crossing a border into a regulated market, the same way a passport is now assumed for a person, not an unusual extra step. If that becomes the norm, the trading system changes in a fairly fundamental way: trust stops being negotiated through relationships and paperwork audits, and starts being verified through data that both sides can independently check. That should actually make trade faster and cheaper for compliant players, because a lot of the friction in commodity trade today exists precisely because buyers can't easily verify claims and have to build in cost and delay to manage that uncertainty. The companies that build this infrastructure now aren't just preparing for a compliance deadline — they're positioning themselves for a trading system that runs on verified data as the default currency of trust. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4462/indonesia-moves-to-expand-fishery-exports-to-trkiye-with-63-processing-units.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4462/indonesia-moves-to-expand-fishery-exports-to-trkiye-with-63-processing-units.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:03:41 +0530 Indonesia is seeking to significantly expand access for its fishery products in Türkiye, with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries proposing 63 additional fish processing units to obtain approval numbers from Turkish authorities. The initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen Indonesia’s seafood export market and improve the competitiveness of domestic fishery products. A joint pre-border inspection involving Indonesian authorities and Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is being conducted from August 10 to 15, 2026. Ishartini, acting head of the Indonesian ministry’s Agency for Quality Control and Inspection of Marine and Fishery Products, said the inspections are a prerequisite for Turkish authorities to issue approval numbers to processing companies seeking access to the market. The joint inspection allows Turkish officials to assess processing operations directly, with particular attention to sanitation, hygiene and food safety standards across the seafood supply chain. The inspection covers seven fish processing units in Jakarta, Banyuwangi, Sidoarjo and Denpasar. Their product portfolios include tuna, demersal fish, cephalopods, sea cucumbers, shrimp, milkfish, crabs and grouper. All seven facilities had previously secured quality certifications from Indonesia’s Agency for Quality Control and Inspection of Marine and Fishery Products, which serves as the country’s competent authority for seafood exports. The broader proposal covers 63 processing units. Indonesia currently has 72 fish processing units with access to the Turkish market. If all 63 proposed facilities receive approval numbers, the potential number of Indonesian exporters eligible to ship fishery products to Türkiye would rise to 135. The expansion comes as Indonesia’s seafood trade with Türkiye continues to grow. Indonesian fishery exports to Türkiye increased from around 2,300 metric tons in 2024 to approximately 2,500 metric tons in 2025. The value of those exports reached $4.16 million in 2025, according to Indonesian ministry data. Indonesia currently exports 24 categories of fishery commodities to Türkiye, including cephalopods, tuna, sardines, seaweed and shrimp. The government sees regulatory alignment and stronger food-safety compliance as critical to unlocking further export growth. Direct inspections by Turkish authorities could also help Indonesian processors better understand market requirements and reduce barriers to entry. For Indonesia’s seafood industry, the proposed approvals represent an opportunity to diversify export markets while increasing the value generated from the country’s fisheries sector. If the additional processing units clear the Turkish approval process, the expanded exporter base could provide a broader platform for Indonesian seafood to compete in the Turkish market and beyond. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4430/indonesia-advances-healthy-garlic-seed-program-to-strengthen-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4430/indonesia-advances-healthy-garlic-seed-program-to-strengthen-food-security.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:06:09 +0530 Indonesia is accelerating efforts to strengthen domestic garlic production through a new research programme focused on developing virus-free planting material, a move aimed at improving crop productivity while reducing the country's long-standing dependence on imported garlic. The initiative, led by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM), forms part of Indonesia's Strategic Research and Innovation Program (PRIS), which seeks to build a sustainable supply of high-quality garlic seed capable of supporting long-term expansion of domestic cultivation. Researchers say one of the biggest obstacles to improving garlic yields is the widespread presence of viruses carried in planting material. Because garlic is propagated vegetatively rather than through true seed, viruses accumulate over successive planting cycles, gradually reducing plant vigor, bulb quality and overall productivity. To address this challenge, the research programme is developing practical virus-elimination technologies that combine scientific effectiveness with affordability and ease of adoption. The project includes the development of virus-removal protocols, prototype treatment equipment and scientific evaluation of how virus-free planting material influences crop growth, productivity and field performance. According to BRIN, the initiative is intended to establish a reliable healthy-seed production system that preserves the genetic potential of improved garlic varieties while providing farmers and commercial seed producers with cleaner planting material. Initial laboratory investigations have highlighted the scale of the challenge. Researchers identified widespread infections caused by Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) and Shallot latent virus (SLV) in garlic samples collected from several of Indonesia's principal production regions. The findings suggest viral infections remain common even where plants display few or no visible symptoms, making routine visual inspection insufficient for ensuring seed quality. The next phase of the programme will evaluate the effectiveness of virus-elimination treatments in lowering viral loads while monitoring impacts on crop development, yield potential and susceptibility to secondary diseases. Researchers also plan to conduct broader surveillance to better understand the geographic distribution of garlic viruses across Indonesia. The two-year project extends beyond disease management. Scientists are simultaneously developing improved softneck and hardneck garlic varieties with larger bulb size, breeding cultivars suited to mid-altitude production zones, advancing dormancy-breaking technologies and establishing germplasm databases alongside quality standards for certified planting material. Research outcomes will ultimately be validated under commercial production conditions, including Indonesia's Food, Water and Energy Self-Sufficiency Area in Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra. Industry collaboration is also planned to support commercialization of the virus-elimination technology and accelerate adoption by seed producers. The programme reflects Indonesia's broader agricultural strategy of reducing import dependence through science-led innovation. By strengthening domestic seed systems and improving planting material quality, policymakers hope to create a more resilient garlic industry capable of delivering higher yields, improving farmer incomes and enhancing national food security. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4369/indonesia-launches-nationwide-b50-biodiesel-rollout-to-accelerate-energy-independence-and-cut-fossil-fuel-dependence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4369/indonesia-launches-nationwide-b50-biodiesel-rollout-to-accelerate-energy-independence-and-cut-fossil-fuel-dependence.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:33:56 +0530 Indonesia has taken a major step towards strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels with the nationwide rollout of B50 biodiesel, a government-led initiative requiring diesel fuel to contain a 50 per cent blend of palm oil-based biodiesel. The programme, implemented through state-owned energy company Pertamina Patra Niaga, marks the first large-scale national adoption of a B50 biodiesel mandate anywhere in the world, positioning Indonesia at the forefront of biofuel development and renewable energy transition. The distribution programme officially began on 1 July 2026, with Pertamina initially activating 29 of its 126 fuel terminals to supply the new biodiesel blend. The company will gradually expand coverage during a three-month transition period, allowing fuel suppliers to reduce existing inventories of B40 biodiesel before moving towards full implementation. The nationwide deployment represents a key milestone in Indonesia’s strategy to strengthen domestic energy resilience while creating new opportunities for its palm oil sector. B50 Programme Supports Indonesia’s Energy Security Goals Indonesia’s government has positioned the B50 mandate as a strategic component of President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to achieve greater energy self-sufficiency and reduce exposure to volatile global oil markets. By increasing the use of domestically produced biodiesel, the country aims to reduce diesel imports, improve its trade balance and enhance protection against fluctuations in international fossil fuel prices. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has confirmed that major industrial sectors are prepared for the transition, following extensive evaluation and technical assessments. Compatibility testing has been conducted across multiple applications, including heavy machinery, mining equipment, locomotives and marine vessels, to ensure that the higher biodiesel blend meets performance and operational requirements. Industrial Readiness Strengthens Implementation The transition to B50 requires coordination across Indonesia’s extensive fuel distribution network and industrial ecosystem. Pertamina Patra Niaga’s phased implementation approach is designed to ensure a smooth transition by gradually expanding supply availability while allowing market participants to adapt to the new fuel standard. The government has worked closely with energy companies, industrial users and technical stakeholders to assess fuel performance and ensure operational reliability across different sectors. The move reflects Indonesia’s broader ambition to build a more resilient energy system by increasing the role of locally produced renewable fuels. Palm Oil Sector Gains New Growth Opportunity Beyond reducing fossil fuel dependence, the B50 programme is expected to generate economic benefits throughout Indonesia’s palm oil value chain. As one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, Indonesia views biodiesel expansion as a way to create stronger domestic demand for palm-based feedstocks while supporting farmers, processors and related industries. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities across the biodiesel supply chain, including production, transportation and distribution activities. By linking renewable energy development with agricultural production, Indonesia aims to create a stronger connection between its energy transition goals and rural economic growth. Environmental Benefits Drive Biofuel Expansion The Indonesian government expects the B50 programme to contribute significantly to emissions reduction efforts by replacing a portion of conventional fossil diesel consumption with renewable fuel. The initiative forms part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting sustainable energy development. Officials believe that increasing biodiesel utilisation can help the country meet climate commitments while strengthening domestic energy independence. Full Nationwide Distribution Targeted for October Pertamina Patra Niaga will continue expanding B50 distribution across its network during the transition phase, with nationwide availability at all filling stations targeted by 1 October 2026. The successful implementation of B50 will make Indonesia a global benchmark for large-scale biodiesel adoption and could influence future biofuel strategies in other emerging economies seeking alternatives to imported fossil fuels. As global energy markets continue to shift towards lower-carbon solutions, Indonesia’s B50 programme highlights the growing role of agricultural commodities in supporting renewable energy systems. The initiative demonstrates how biofuel development can simultaneously address energy security, climate objectives and agricultural sector growth, positioning Indonesia as a major player in the global renewable fuel landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4355/cargill-calls-for-value-chain-collaboration-to-unlock-indonesias-cocoa-growth-potential.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4355/cargill-calls-for-value-chain-collaboration-to-unlock-indonesias-cocoa-growth-potential.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:10:53 +0530 At the 9th Indonesia International Cocoa Conference (IICC), Cargill highlighted productivity, responsible sourcing, and innovation as important priorities for strengthening Indonesia’s cocoa sector and connecting it with evolving market needs across Asia Pacific and beyond. Held from 22–24 July 2026 in Yogyakarta, IICC brings together stakeholders from across Indonesia’s cocoa value chain to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Through a keynote address, panel discussion, and exhibition, Cargill emphasized that sustained collaboration among farmers, government and industry players will be important to supporting the sector’s long-term development. Consumer preferences in Asia show promising opportunities for the development of chocolate and cocoa products. Cargill’s latest APAC IngredienTracker points that Asian consumers show strong familiarity with chocolate and cocoa ingredients across confectionery, desserts, bakery, and dairy. In Indonesia, 76 per cent of consumers prefer to buy locally grown food all or most of the time and 91 per cent prefer food and beverages produced in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Together, these trends support closer links between local cocoa production, processing, a focus on responsible sourcing, and product innovation tailored to Indonesian and wider Asian preferences. Speaking at IICC 2026, Kashan Rashid, Vice President & Managing Director, Cargill Food Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said, “Indonesia has a powerful cocoa story and an even stronger opportunity ahead. For Cargill, the country is central to our cocoa growth strategy in Asia Pacific. We remain focused on supporting Indonesia’s next chapter through farmer partnerships, investment in more responsible sourcing, local processing and customer-led innovation.” As an important cocoa origin located close to growing Asian consumer markets, Indonesia is well positioned to connect local supply with responsible sourcing insights and practices, processing and innovation for regional and global customers. To translate this potential into sustained growth, the Indonesian cocoa sector needs to align around a focused set of priorities: improve farm productivity, expand reliable farm-level traceability and responsible sourcing practices, increase local value creation through processing and innovation, and maintain access to key export markets. Reiterating Cargill’s support for Indonesian cocoa farmers Indonesian cocoa farmers are central to building a more resilient and responsible cocoa supply chain from farm to market. Through the Cargill Cocoa Promise, Cargill works with farmers, customers, and local partners to support Indonesian farmer capability and community wellbeing. In 2026, more than 7,800 participating farmers in the Rainforest Alliance certification program received approximately Rp38.8 billion in premium payments. Over the past five years, Cargill has also supported the establishment of eight community nurseries, provided 96,000 cocoa seedlings, distributed 44,000 shade trees, and supported 52 Village Savings and Loan Association groups. Across the program’s covered supply base, Cargill also applies first-mile traceability, farm mapping, and deforestation-risk assessments, alongside farmer training and coaching on good agricultural practices. “The future of Indonesia’s cocoa industry will be shaped by collaboration across the value chain to support farmers, strengthen responsible sourcing practices and connect Indonesian cocoa with regional and global markets,” Kashan added.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4296/indonesia-harnesses-ai-to-fast-track-chilli-breeding-and-strengthen-digital-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4296/indonesia-harnesses-ai-to-fast-track-chilli-breeding-and-strengthen-digital-agriculture.html Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:25:16 +0530 Indonesia is advancing its digital agriculture agenda with the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered research platform designed to accelerate the identification of superior chilli varieties, a move expected to modernise plant breeding, strengthen seed quality assurance and support the country's long-term food security strategy. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), integrates artificial intelligence with computer vision technology to automate the analysis of chilli plant characteristics. By replacing laborious manual assessments with data-driven image analysis, researchers aim to significantly improve the speed, consistency and accuracy of phenotype identification—a critical process in crop improvement and seed development. Developed by BRIN's Data Science and Information Research Center, the project represents a significant step towards embedding advanced digital technologies into Indonesia's agricultural research ecosystem. The agency believes the platform will streamline multiple stages of crop development, from breeding programmes and seed purity testing to variety certification and germplasm management. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on visual inspections by plant breeders, the AI system applies deep learning algorithms to analyse leaf images and other morphological features, identifying subtle patterns that may be difficult or impossible to detect through manual observation. This enables researchers to characterise plant varieties more objectively while reducing variability in assessment outcomes. According to Eka Prakasa, Head of BRIN's Data Science and Information Research Center, the technology has the potential to transform how agricultural institutions evaluate and develop improved crop varieties. By automating phenotype analysis, the platform is expected to shorten breeding cycles, enhance decision-making and improve operational efficiency for researchers, seed producers and regulatory agencies. Beyond accelerating research, the technology is also expected to strengthen Indonesia's broader digital agriculture ecosystem by supporting higher seed productivity, improving competitiveness within the seed industry and contributing to national food security through evidence-based agricultural innovation. BRIN researcher Wiwin Suwarningsih noted that the increasing demand for faster and more reliable plant identification methods is driving the adoption of AI across agricultural research. She emphasised that modern breeding programmes require scalable technologies capable of delivering consistent results to support plant variety protection, certification processes and the effective management of genetic resources. The research team believes advances in deep learning have created new opportunities to automate phenotype identification with greater precision, producing standardised and reproducible assessments that can support large-scale breeding programmes and regulatory activities. The initiative aligns with Indonesia's wider strategy to digitalise agriculture and leverage emerging technologies to improve productivity, sustainability and resilience across the food system. As policymakers increasingly promote innovation-led agricultural development, AI-enabled crop analysis is expected to play an expanding role in supporting scientific research, regulatory oversight and precision farming. Automated phenotype identification could also help address longstanding challenges associated with manual evaluation, including inconsistencies between observers, longer assessment timelines and limited scalability. By generating reliable digital crop data, the system has the potential to improve transparency in certification processes while enabling more informed decision-making across public institutions and the seed industry. Looking ahead, BRIN expects the AI platform to serve as a foundational technology for broader applications in plant breeding, seed testing and agricultural biotechnology. As Indonesia continues investing in digital transformation across its agricultural sector, initiatives such as this underscore the growing role of artificial intelligence in building more productive, resilient and technology-driven food systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4295/rize-secures-47-million-to-scale-climate-smart-rice-platform-across-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4295/rize-secures-47-million-to-scale-climate-smart-rice-platform-across-southeast-asia.html Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:17:40 +0530 Climate-focused agritech startup Rize has raised $47 million in fresh funding to accelerate the expansion of its technology-driven rice cultivation platform across Southeast Asia, strengthening efforts to improve farmer incomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilient, export-oriented rice supply chains. The financing brings together a consortium of global climate and development finance investors, underscoring growing confidence in technology-enabled regenerative agriculture as a scalable solution to food security and climate challenges. The latest investment will support Rize's next phase of growth by expanding its presence beyond Vietnam and Indonesia while enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities, digital traceability systems and carbon-focused agricultural initiatives. The equity round was led by BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, with participation from The Rockefeller Foundation and existing investors Temasek and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Complementing the equity investment, debt financing has been mobilised through BIDV, Temasek Foundation and UOB, providing additional capital to support operational expansion. Since its Series A financing two years ago, Rize has increased the scale of its operations by more than tenfold, evolving into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing climate-smart agriculture platforms. Today, the company partners with approximately 17,000 smallholder farmers cultivating more than 50,000 hectares across Vietnam and Indonesia, supported by a multidisciplinary workforce spanning agronomy, technology development and field operations. The newly raised capital will primarily be directed toward strengthening export market access through enhanced end-to-end traceability, enabling rice producers to meet increasingly stringent international food safety and sustainability standards. The company also plans to expand the adoption of alternate wetting and drying (AWD)—a water management practice that significantly lowers methane emissions while reducing irrigation requirements and improving farm profitability. In parallel, Rize intends to invest heavily in AI-powered decision-support tools designed for farmers and field teams. These digital technologies will help optimise crop management, improve productivity, support compliance with maximum residue level (MRL) requirements and generate reliable farm-level data for carbon programmes and sustainable commodity markets. The company also plans to broaden its platform into a collaborative agricultural ecosystem, allowing input suppliers, technology providers and service companies to connect directly with its growing network of farmers. This integrated approach is expected to accelerate the adoption of regenerative farming practices while improving access to agronomic services and commercial opportunities. Founded in late 2022 through a collaborative initiative involving Temasek, 100x100 and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Rize was established with the objective of modernising rice cultivation for smallholder farmers while integrating climate resilience into agricultural production systems. Commenting on the latest funding milestone, Dhruv Sawhney, Co-founder and CEO of Rize, said the investment validates the company's vision of combining climate action with improved livelihoods for farming communities. He noted that the new capital will enable Rize to significantly expand its geographic footprint, deepen investments in advanced technologies and strengthen market connectivity, helping farmers achieve higher productivity, greater resilience and improved economic returns while supporting low-emission agricultural production. Alexandre Martin-Min, Head of Natural Capital & Impact Investments at BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, said the investment reflects the firm's confidence in scalable platforms capable of delivering measurable environmental outcomes alongside sustainable financial performance. He added that Rize's integrated approach to sustainable agriculture, carbon finance and verified commodity supply chains aligns closely with the firm's long-term investment strategy. Echoing this perspective, Slav Gatchev, Vice President of Innovative Finance at The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers across Asia, including limited access to finance, constrained resource management and volatile market opportunities. He said technology-enabled regenerative agriculture has the potential to improve productivity while strengthening farmer incomes and long-term resilience. As governments and global food companies intensify efforts to decarbonise agricultural supply chains, climate-smart rice production is gaining strategic importance. Rice cultivation accounts for a significant share of agricultural methane emissions globally, making innovations such as AI-driven farm management, digital traceability and water-efficient cultivation practices increasingly critical for achieving climate targets without compromising food production. With fresh capital, expanded partnerships and growing demand for sustainable commodities, Rize aims to position itself as a leading digital agriculture platform supporting the transition toward low-emission, traceable and export-ready rice production across Southeast Asia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4288/new-indonesia-australia-halal-agreement-aims-to-boost-bilateral-food-and-agriculture-trade.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4288/new-indonesia-australia-halal-agreement-aims-to-boost-bilateral-food-and-agriculture-trade.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:31:22 +0530 Indonesia and Australia have formalised a strategic partnership on halal product assurance, signing a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to deepen regulatory cooperation, streamline halal certification processes and expand bilateral trade in halal-certified products. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration between Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), reflecting both countries' growing commitment to strengthening the global halal economy while supporting exporters and food producers operating across international markets. The partnership is expected to facilitate the movement of halal-certified goods by promoting closer alignment between the two countries' halal assurance systems. Through enhanced technical dialogue, information exchange and institutional cooperation, both governments aim to improve regulatory transparency, strengthen consumer confidence and create more predictable market access for businesses engaged in halal trade. The MoU also provides a formal mechanism for recognising Australian foreign halal certification bodies in accordance with Indonesia's regulatory framework, supporting smoother certification pathways for products entering the Indonesian market while reinforcing compliance with national halal standards. Beyond trade facilitation, the agreement outlines broader cooperation in technical consultations, research and development, technology exchange, infrastructure enhancement and human resource capacity building. Regular institutional engagement is expected to strengthen implementation while supporting the continued evolution of halal assurance systems in both countries. The initiative further reinforces the economic relationship established under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and complements the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. By integrating regulatory cooperation with trade facilitation, both governments aim to unlock new commercial opportunities for halal-certified food, agricultural and consumer products. Commenting on the agreement, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), said the partnership would strengthen technical cooperation while expanding opportunities for halal-certified products in both markets. "Through stronger technical dialogue, capacity building, and information exchange, we can enhance confidence, support the development of the halal ecosystem, and expand market access for high-quality halal products in both countries." Hasan added that harmonising halal assurance systems would further strengthen trust among businesses and consumers while supporting the development of a more integrated and globally competitive halal ecosystem. Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, described Indonesia as one of Australia's most important strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly for food and agricultural trade. "The agreement will provide greater certainty for businesses in both countries, strengthen bilateral trade ties, and create broader opportunities for halal-certified products to enter each other's markets." The agreement will remain in force for five years, with the option for extension by mutual consent, providing a long-term platform for expanding cooperation as global demand for halal-certified products continues to accelerate. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4287/indonesia-sets-ambitious-coffee-export-goal-backed-by-plantation-revitalisation-and-trade-reforms.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4287/indonesia-sets-ambitious-coffee-export-goal-backed-by-plantation-revitalisation-and-trade-reforms.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:25:51 +0530 Indonesia is intensifying efforts to transform its coffee industry into a major export growth engine, with the government setting an ambitious target of increasing annual coffee export earnings to Rp100 trillion (approximately $6.25 billion) through higher production, expanded downstream processing, stronger export networks and greater value addition across the supply chain. The strategy forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Indonesia's position in the global coffee market while increasing returns for growers through productivity improvements and enhanced processing capabilities. The long-term vision also includes positioning the country as a stronger price influencer in international commodity markets rather than remaining primarily a supplier of raw agricultural products. The roadmap was outlined by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman during a visit to a coffee nursery in Pintu Rime Gayo District, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, where he reviewed the quality of planting material that will support the next phase of plantation development. According to the minister, Indonesia currently generates approximately Rp40 trillion ($2.5 billion) in annual coffee exports, with substantial room for expansion as production capacity and value-added processing continue to improve. The government's coffee development programme in Aceh includes support for approximately 17,000 hectares of plantations through the distribution of 17 million superior coffee seedlings. The initiative is expected to significantly improve plantation productivity while creating higher and more stable incomes for coffee-growing communities. Regional authorities estimate the programme could generate an additional Rp4 trillion (approximately US$250 million) in farmer income once the new plantations reach productive capacity, reinforcing coffee's importance as a key driver of rural economic development. Indonesia is also seeking to build on the international reputation of Gayo coffee, one of the country's best-known specialty coffee origins. Global recognition of the premium Arabica variety continues to support Indonesia's ambition to expand exports into high-value international markets while strengthening the country's brand in the specialty coffee segment. The government's export strategy comes at a time of favourable market conditions. Domestic coffee prices have risen sharply over the past year, providing stronger incentives for growers to invest in productivity improvements and plantation expansion while supporting higher farm incomes. Alongside production growth, Indonesia is preparing a series of trade reforms aimed at improving the competitiveness of its agricultural exports. The government intends to strengthen export systems, encourage greater domestic processing and capture more value within the country, enabling producers to secure a stronger negotiating position in international markets. By integrating improved genetics, plantation modernisation, downstream investment and export diversification, Indonesia aims to establish a more resilient and globally competitive coffee industry capable of generating higher export revenues while delivering greater economic benefits to farmers and rural communities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4267/thryve-earth-announces-first-corporate-offtake-commitments-to-restore-6000-ha-in-sulawesi-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4267/thryve-earth-announces-first-corporate-offtake-commitments-to-restore-6000-ha-in-sulawesi-indonesia.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:14:26 +0530 Growing corporate demand for high-integrity carbon removal projects is emerging as a powerful catalyst for landscape restoration across Southeast Asia, with a major agroforestry initiative in Indonesia securing long-term carbon purchase commitments to rehabilitate thousands of hectares of degraded land. The project, located in Indonesia's biodiversity-rich Sulawesi region, has attracted multi-year forward commitments from global corporate buyers seeking nature-based carbon removal solutions. The agreements provide long-term revenue certainty, enabling project developers to mobilise financing for large-scale ecosystem restoration while creating sustainable income opportunities for farming communities. The initiative highlights the rapid evolution of voluntary carbon markets from offset-focused transactions towards integrated landscape restoration models that simultaneously deliver climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation and rural economic development. Rather than relying solely on carbon revenues, the restoration model combines diversified agroforestry systems with commercially valuable crops and timber species, creating multiple income streams for participating farmers. Fast-growing annual crops generate early cash flows, while fruit trees and timber plantations provide medium- and long-term earnings, reducing financial risks associated with conventional monoculture farming. Project developers say the blended approach is designed to improve land productivity, restore degraded soils, reduce wildfire risks and enhance biodiversity while strengthening the economic resilience of rural communities. Carbon finance plays a critical role by covering the substantial upfront investment required to rehabilitate degraded landscapes and establish new agroforestry systems before agricultural returns begin to materialise. The restoration strategy builds upon field-tested agroforestry models that have demonstrated improvements in soil health, vegetation cover and climate resilience across Indonesia. In addition to increasing carbon sequestration, the initiative is expected to generate employment through nursery operations, planting activities, land preparation and long-term plantation management. Beyond its environmental impact, the project reflects a broader shift in corporate climate strategies. Companies are increasingly favouring high-quality carbon removal projects capable of delivering measurable social and ecological outcomes alongside verified emissions reductions, as scrutiny of voluntary carbon markets intensifies globally. Indonesia's vast areas of degraded land present significant opportunities for scaling agroforestry-based restoration. Industry experts believe similar landscape models could be replicated across hundreds of thousands of hectares throughout Indonesia and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, where abundant biomass potential and rural livelihoods create favourable conditions for integrated restoration programmes. The project also illustrates the growing convergence of climate finance, regenerative agriculture and biodiversity conservation. By linking long-term corporate carbon demand with community-based land restoration, developers aim to build financially sustainable projects that support both national climate objectives and rural economic development. As global companies increasingly seek credible nature-based climate investments, Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the world's most strategically important regions for high-integrity carbon removal projects that combine environmental restoration with inclusive agricultural growth. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4266/indonesia-launches-b50-biodiesel-era-as-biofuel-strategy-reshapes-energy-security-and-agricultural-economy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4266/indonesia-launches-b50-biodiesel-era-as-biofuel-strategy-reshapes-energy-security-and-agricultural-economy.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:01:54 +0530 Indonesia has entered a new phase of its energy transition with the nationwide implementation of a 50 percent biodiesel blending mandate alongside the phased introduction of bioethanol-blended gasoline, signalling one of the world's most ambitious biofuel programmes aimed at reducing fuel imports, strengthening energy security and accelerating downstream industrialisation. The twin initiatives reflect Jakarta's broader strategy of leveraging domestic agricultural resources to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while creating greater value within the national economy. By expanding renewable fuel production based on locally available feedstocks, the government is seeking to integrate agriculture, manufacturing and energy into a more resilient domestic value chain. The nationwide biodiesel mandate substantially increases the contribution of palm oil-derived fuel in the country's diesel consumption, making Indonesia the first nation to implement a nationwide 50 percent biodiesel blend. Policymakers view the programme as a strategic response to growing geopolitical uncertainty, volatile global oil markets and supply chain disruptions that have exposed the vulnerabilities of import-dependent energy systems. Officials argue that strengthening domestic biofuel production has become increasingly important as geopolitical tensions threaten critical global shipping routes and energy supplies. Expanding renewable fuels produced within the country is expected to enhance long-term energy resilience while reducing exposure to external market shocks. Beyond improving energy security, the programme is projected to deliver significant macroeconomic benefits. Higher biodiesel utilisation is expected to sharply reduce diesel imports, improve the country's trade balance, generate substantial foreign exchange savings and stimulate investment across the palm oil value chain. Increased domestic demand for feedstocks is also expected to support processing industries, logistics networks and rural employment while creating additional value for agricultural producers. The government also expects the expanded biodiesel programme to contribute meaningfully to national climate goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions alongside supporting millions of jobs linked to agriculture, biofuel production and downstream industries. Successful implementation, however, depends on maintaining product quality, ensuring sufficient feedstock availability and strengthening nationwide fuel distribution systems. Extensive multi-sector testing covering transportation, mining, agriculture, shipping, railways and power generation was undertaken before the nationwide rollout to verify compatibility across a broad range of equipment and vehicle platforms. Complementing the biodiesel programme, Indonesia has begun introducing gasoline blended with bioethanol in selected provinces as the first step towards reducing gasoline imports. Unlike biodiesel, however, the country's ethanol industry remains in an early stage of development, with production capacity still limited relative to future demand. The bioethanol strategy opens new opportunities for agricultural diversification by creating additional demand for crops such as sugarcane, cassava and maize. Policymakers believe expanding domestic ethanol production could stimulate fresh investments in crop production, processing infrastructure and rural industries while broadening the country's renewable energy feedstock base beyond palm oil. Officials have outlined plans to progressively increase ethanol blending levels over the coming years as domestic production capacity expands and supply chains mature. The gradual rollout reflects a strategy of aligning renewable fuel targets with industrial readiness to avoid supply disruptions and maintain consumer confidence. Indonesia's approach differs from other major biofuel-producing economies by capitalising on its position as the world's largest palm oil producer while simultaneously laying the foundation for a diversified bioeconomy. As global energy security increasingly intersects with food systems, climate policy and industrial competitiveness, the country's biofuel expansion illustrates how agricultural resources are becoming central to national energy strategies. While long-term success will depend on sustained investment, feedstock security and continued industrial development, the combined biodiesel and bioethanol programmes represent a structural shift in Indonesia's energy policy—from managing import dependence to building a self-reliant renewable fuel ecosystem anchored in domestic agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4208/indonesia-and-singapore-explore-new-food-security-partnership-centered-on-rice.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4208/indonesia-and-singapore-explore-new-food-security-partnership-centered-on-rice.html Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:56:50 +0530 Indonesia has proposed exporting a minimum of 10,000 tons of rice to Singapore as the two Southeast Asian nations seek to deepen cooperation in food trade and strengthen regional food security. The proposal was discussed during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta between Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, and Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand agricultural trade and build a more resilient food partnership between the neighboring countries. Beyond rice, Indonesia has signaled its intention to increase exports of several strategic agricultural commodities to Singapore, including poultry products, eggs, palm oil, coconuts and other food products that are in demand in the city-state. The two governments also agreed to explore greater collaboration in agricultural technology and innovation, recognizing the importance of modern farming practices and knowledge-sharing in strengthening regional food systems. Indonesia's proposal comes at a time when the country is enjoying strong domestic rice production and historically high stock levels. Government rice reserves currently stand at approximately 5.1 million tons, providing authorities with confidence that export commitments can be fulfilled while maintaining domestic food security. The country's storage infrastructure has been stretched by the surge in inventories, with state-owned logistics agency Bulog operating warehouses with a capacity of around 3 million tons and relying on additional rented facilities to accommodate the remaining stocks. Rice exports to Singapore are not entirely new for Indonesia, as private-sector transactions have taken place in the past. However, the latest initiative seeks to institutionalize and expand the trade relationship through cooperation involving Indonesian state-owned enterprises and private partners in Singapore. Singapore has welcomed discussions on expanding food imports from Indonesia, particularly as the island nation continues to depend heavily on overseas suppliers to meet its food requirements. Indonesia's growing agricultural production and investments in research, improved seed varieties, mechanization and farming technologies have enhanced its ability to emerge as a more significant supplier to regional markets. Agricultural trade between the two countries has already reached substantial levels. Bilateral trade in agricultural commodities was valued at approximately USD 849.6 million in 2025, with Indonesia maintaining a trade surplus through exports of food and agricultural products. Both governments view the proposed rice export arrangement as an opportunity to broaden market access for Indonesian producers while reinforcing food security cooperation in Southeast Asia. The initiative also highlights Indonesia's ambitions to leverage its agricultural strengths and rising production capacity to become a more prominent player in regional food supply chains. As global food markets continue to grapple with supply disruptions and climate-related challenges, deeper agricultural cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore could provide a model for strengthening food resilience through regional partnerships and diversified sourcing strategies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4180/provivi-partners-with-agricon-to-expand-pheromone-based-rice-pest-control-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4180/provivi-partners-with-agricon-to-expand-pheromone-based-rice-pest-control-in-indonesia.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:37:43 +0530 Provivi Inc. has entered into a co-exclusive distribution partnership with Indonesian agribusiness company Agricon to commercialize its pheromone-based YSB Eco-Dispenser, strengthening efforts to promote sustainable pest management across Indonesia's rice sector. The collaboration combines Provivi's expertise in pheromone-based crop protection technologies with Agricon's extensive distribution network and established relationships with rice growers, accelerating access to next-generation biological pest control solutions in one of Asia's most important rice-producing nations. The partnership targets Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), one of the most destructive insect pests affecting rice cultivation in Indonesia. The pest continues to inflict substantial yield losses while driving heavy dependence on conventional chemical insecticides, creating both economic and environmental challenges for producers. Provivi's YSB Eco-Dispenser utilizes pheromone-based mating disruption technology to suppress pest populations by interrupting their reproductive cycle rather than eliminating insects through chemical toxicity. The biodegradable solution delivers species-specific control while preserving beneficial insects and supporting broader ecosystem health. As governments and food producers increasingly prioritize sustainable agricultural practices, pheromone technologies are emerging as an important component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, offering farmers effective alternatives that reduce pesticide applications without compromising crop productivity. Indonesia's position as one of the world's largest rice producers makes the deployment of environmentally responsible crop protection technologies strategically significant for national food security. By minimizing pest pressure while lowering chemical inputs, the technology aims to improve farm profitability alongside environmental sustainability. The agreement also reflects the broader shift underway in global agriculture, where biological and semiochemical crop protection products are gaining momentum amid tightening regulations on conventional pesticides and growing demand for residue-conscious food production. With biodegradable materials, long-lasting field performance, and compatibility with integrated farming systems, the YSB Eco-Dispenser is expected to support Indonesia's transition toward more resilient and sustainable rice production while strengthening the adoption of precision pest management technologies across the country's agricultural landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4167/indonesias-wmu-bets-big-on-cage-free-eggs-as-animal-welfare-demand-reshapes-poultry-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4167/indonesias-wmu-bets-big-on-cage-free-eggs-as-animal-welfare-demand-reshapes-poultry-industry.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:14:06 +0530 Indonesia's poultry sector is witnessing a significant shift toward higher animal welfare standards, and PT Widodo Makmur Unggas Tbk (WMU) is positioning itself at the forefront of that transformation. The integrated poultry farming and processing company has unveiled plans to more than double its cage-free egg production capacity, aiming to become the largest cage-free egg producer in Southeast Asia by 2027. The move reflects a broader evolution in food supply chains across the region, where multinational corporations, hospitality groups and food-service operators are increasingly adopting cage-free sourcing commitments in response to changing consumer expectations and sustainability requirements. WMU currently operates a cage-free flock of approximately 200,000 laying hens and plans to increase that number to 500,000 hens by 2027. If achieved, the expansion would place the company among the region's largest producers of cage-free eggs and strengthen Indonesia's position in the rapidly growing premium egg market. The company's strategy comes as cage-free production transitions from a niche category to a mainstream procurement requirement among major global food brands. More than 2,000 food companies worldwide have committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs, including several international brands with significant operations in Indonesia such as KFC, Burger King, Hyatt and Marriott. For WMU, the expansion is not merely a production increase but a strategic bet on a structural change in consumer behavior and corporate sourcing practices. Demand for cage-free eggs has been accelerating across Indonesia's food-service, hospitality, restaurant and catering sectors as companies seek to align their supply chains with international animal welfare standards. The trend is increasingly being reinforced by consumers who are paying closer attention to how food products are produced and sourced. Consumer sentiment appears to support that shift. Survey data from GMO Research indicates that 55% of Indonesian consumers prefer products made using cage-free eggs, while 72% believe food companies should implement animal welfare standards throughout their supply chains. These findings suggest that cage-free eggs are no longer viewed solely as a premium ethical product but are becoming part of a broader conversation around responsible food production. WMU's growth strategy currently focuses on business-to-business sales, supplying cage-free eggs to commercial customers across food service, hospitality and restaurant segments. However, the company is also preparing to enter the consumer retail market with its own cage-free egg brand, signaling confidence that demand will extend beyond institutional buyers into household consumption. The move mirrors developments in more mature food markets, where cage-free eggs have steadily gained market share as consumers increasingly associate animal welfare with food quality, sustainability and responsible production practices. Beyond ethical considerations, cage-free systems are also attracting attention for their potential food safety advantages. Research from the European Food Safety Authority suggests that the risk of Salmonella contamination on cage-free farms may be significantly lower than in conventional caged production systems, adding another layer of appeal for food companies and consumers alike. The shift also aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards across global food supply chains. As multinational companies strengthen sustainability commitments, suppliers that can meet animal welfare requirements are likely to enjoy a competitive advantage in securing long-term contracts and accessing premium markets. Industry observers view WMU's expansion as an important milestone for Indonesia's poultry sector, which has traditionally focused on production efficiency and affordability. The emergence of cage-free farming at scale suggests the market is beginning to evolve toward higher-value production systems that balance productivity with welfare and sustainability considerations. The company's investment also highlights a broader transformation taking place across Southeast Asia's food industry. As incomes rise and consumers become more conscious of production practices, demand is increasingly shifting toward products that offer assurances around quality, safety, sustainability and animal welfare. For Indonesia, one of the region's largest food markets, that transition could create significant opportunities for producers willing to adapt early. WMU's expansion plan signals that cage-free eggs are no longer a peripheral trend but an emerging growth segment with the potential to reshape poultry supply chains across the region. By investing ahead of demand and positioning itself as a large-scale supplier, the company is betting that the future of egg production in Southeast Asia will be defined not only by volume, but by how those eggs are produced. If consumer preferences, corporate commitments and regulatory trends continue moving in the same direction, WMU's wager on cage-free production could become one of the most significant shifts in Southeast Asia's poultry industry over the next decade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4140/indonesia-norway-forest-initiative-blends-carbon-goals-with-rural-development.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4140/indonesia-norway-forest-initiative-blends-carbon-goals-with-rural-development.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:27:24 +0530 Indonesia and Norway have jointly reviewed the progress of a major forest restoration initiative in South Kalimantan as part of efforts to reduce land-use emissions and advance Indonesia’s climate commitments under the FOLU Net Sink 2030 programme. Officials from Indonesia’s Environmental Fund Management Agency and Norway’s climate project team conducted field inspections across nearly 83 hectares of rehabilitated forest land in Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency. The assessment focused on evaluating tree survival rates, vegetation growth, and the overall effectiveness of restoration activities being carried out under the programme. The initiative forms part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to achieve a net carbon sink in the forestry and land-use sector by 2030 through large-scale forest rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices. The restoration model combines environmental conservation with rural livelihood development. Local communities participating in the programme have planted a mix of long-term tree species, including rubber, durian, mahogany and longan, alongside short-cycle crops such as chilli, tomato and eggplant to generate income during the early stages of forest regeneration. Officials said the integrated approach is designed to improve land cover, enhance ecosystem resilience and create sustainable economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities. Community forestry groups are expected to play a central role in maintaining the plantations and ensuring the long-term success of rehabilitation efforts. The Indonesia–Norway collaboration reflects growing international cooperation on climate action and nature-based solutions, with forest restoration emerging as a key pillar in Indonesia’s strategy to curb emissions, strengthen biodiversity conservation and support sustainable rural development. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4139/australia-strengthens-fertiliser-security-with-first-indonesian-urea-shipment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4139/australia-strengthens-fertiliser-security-with-first-indonesian-urea-shipment.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:01:46 +0530 Australia has received the first shipment of urea under a government-backed supply agreement with Indonesia, marking a significant step in strengthening fertiliser availability and supporting agricultural production amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty. The vessel, carrying 47,250 tonnes of urea, arrived in Brisbane as part of a broader 250,000-tonne supply arrangement between fertiliser producer Incitec Pivot and Indonesia’s state-owned fertiliser company PT Pupuk Indonesia. The agreement has been facilitated through close cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian governments as part of efforts to safeguard critical agricultural inputs. The shipment forms part of the Australian Government’s broader strategy to mitigate potential disruptions to fertiliser supply arising from instability in the Middle East and volatility in global commodity markets. By securing additional fertiliser volumes, the government aims to provide farmers with greater certainty during planting and crop management decisions while reinforcing national food production capacity. Australia’s agricultural sector is projected to generate more than A$98 billion in production value during the 2026–27 financial year, highlighting the importance of reliable access to essential farm inputs such as fertilisers and fuel. The newly arrived cargo contributes to a larger initiative under the government’s A$7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility, through which approximately 340,000 tonnes of additional urea have been secured for domestic agriculture. The partnership also reflects the growing strategic importance of Australia–Indonesia agricultural cooperation. Indonesia remains Australia’s fifth-largest agricultural export destination, with bilateral agricultural trade valued at approximately A$6.2 billion in 2025. The fertiliser arrangement is expected to support food security objectives in both countries while strengthening supply chain resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. Additional urea shipments secured under the programme are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, further bolstering supplies for Australian farmers ahead of key production cycles. Industry stakeholders have highlighted the importance of diversified fertiliser sourcing and international collaboration in maintaining agricultural productivity during periods of global market uncertainty. The latest shipment is expected to play a critical role in ensuring stable fertiliser availability for Australian growers while supporting broader regional food security goals. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4066/indonesia-and-singapore-deepen-economic-partnership-through-green-energy-digital-infrastructure-and-strategic-investments.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4066/indonesia-and-singapore-deepen-economic-partnership-through-green-energy-digital-infrastructure-and-strategic-investments.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:51:08 +0530 Bilateral initiatives spanning clean energy, special economic zones, data centers and agri-tech reinforce the growing economic integration between Southeast Asia’s two key economies Indonesia and Singapore are strengthening economic ties through a broad portfolio of initiatives spanning investment, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing and agricultural innovation, underscoring the strategic importance of their long-standing bilateral partnership. The commitment was reaffirmed during the 16th Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, co-chaired by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. At the center of the discussions was the continued development of the Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK) region, which has emerged as a cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two countries. According to Airlangga, investment inflows into the BBK region reached US$5.7 billion in 2025, reflecting growing investor confidence and the region’s expanding role as a manufacturing, logistics and digital services hub. Digital Economy and Industrial Expansion Indonesia and Singapore are accelerating efforts to position BBK as a regional center for the digital economy. Key initiatives include the continued expansion of Nongsa Digital Park, which has become a focal point for technology investment and digital talent development, as well as new data center projects in Batam and Bintan. Several major investors, including DayOne, DCI Indonesia and PT Equator Gate System, are advancing infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the region’s digital ecosystem. To support future growth, both governments will conduct a joint technology-sector study to identify emerging opportunities and formulate recommendations for expanding the region’s digital economy capabilities. Meanwhile, Indonesia is continuing to broaden the footprint of the Batam Free Trade Zone, with coverage expanding from eight islands to 22, creating additional capacity for industrial and commercial development. The manufacturing sector is also set to benefit from the planned expansion of the Kendal Special Economic Zone, where approximately 1,000 additional hectares will be developed to attract new investment and generate employment opportunities. Advancing the Green Energy Agenda Clean energy cooperation is emerging as another major pillar of the bilateral relationship. Among the flagship projects under development is a large-scale solar energy initiative led by Sembcorp Industries in partnership with PT Sumber Energi Surya Nusantara. Scheduled for completion next year, the project will deliver 200 megawatts of solar generation capacity and include an 80 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, making it one of Indonesia’s largest utility-scale solar developments. The investment aligns with broader regional efforts to accelerate energy transition initiatives while supporting growing demand for clean power from industrial and digital infrastructure projects. Strengthening Long-Term Economic Cooperation Singapore continues to be Indonesia’s largest foreign investor, with investment commitments reaching approximately $17.4 billion in 2025, according to Singaporean officials. Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, both governments emphasized their commitment to maintaining stable and mutually beneficial economic relations. Beyond infrastructure and industry, cooperation is also expanding into agriculture. The two countries are set to launch a Young Farmer Development Program in June 2026 aimed at strengthening collaboration in agricultural technology, skills development and next-generation farming systems. The expanding partnership reflects a broader shift toward integrated economic development that combines digital transformation, industrial growth, renewable energy deployment and food system innovation—positioning Indonesia and Singapore as increasingly interconnected players in Southeast Asia’s evolving economic landscape. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4065/indonesia-eyes-agricultural-transformation-in-papua-through-new-partnership-with-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/4065/indonesia-eyes-agricultural-transformation-in-papua-through-new-partnership-with-china.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:45:18 +0530 Indonesia is advancing plans to strengthen food security and modernize agricultural production in eastern Indonesia through a proposed partnership with China focused on agricultural research, vocational education, and ecosystem development in South Papua. The initiative, currently being explored by Indonesia’s Ministry of Transmigration and the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, centers on the development of an agricultural research and innovation hub within the Salor Transmigration Area in Merauke, one of the country's most ambitious food production zones. Officials say the collaboration could serve as a catalyst for transforming the region into a modern agricultural growth corridor while creating new opportunities for local communities. Minister of Transmigration M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara said the proposed partnership aligns with Indonesia’s broader efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and strengthen human capital development in Papua. Under the plan, China is expected to provide grant support for the establishment of an agricultural research center and a vocational education facility focused on agricultural skills development. The proposed institutions would support the development of a regional food hub while equipping local communities with technical expertise needed to participate in modern agricultural value chains. Addressing Productivity Constraints The initiative follows findings from the ministry’s 2025 Patriot Expedition Team, which identified several structural challenges limiting agricultural productivity in the Salor area. Researchers highlighted issues including seed quality, pest management, irrigation infrastructure, and road connectivity as key constraints affecting production efficiency. To address these bottlenecks, the government is seeking to build a more integrated agricultural ecosystem that combines research, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and workforce training. Local authorities have also proposed the establishment of agricultural machinery workshops to support operations within the region’s expanding food production zone, which currently encompasses more than 60,000 hectares of rice cultivation. The Ministry of Transmigration plans to collaborate with academic institutions, including IPB University, to strengthen research capabilities and support innovation-driven agricultural development in the region. Building a Modern Agricultural Corridor Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong described the Salor Transmigration Area as a location with significant potential for large-scale agricultural modernization. Beyond food production, he highlighted opportunities for developing supporting industries, including agricultural machinery manufacturing and equipment services that could strengthen the broader rural economy. The vision extends beyond agriculture alone, with policymakers increasingly viewing the region as a potential growth center capable of attracting investment, supporting industrial development, and evolving into a new satellite city in South Papua. The proposed partnership reflects a growing emphasis on combining agricultural productivity, technology adoption, skills development, and infrastructure investment as governments across Asia seek to strengthen food security while driving regional economic development. If implemented, the Salor initiative could become one of Indonesia’s most significant examples of integrated agricultural transformation, linking research, education, mechanisation, and food production into a single development model designed to support long-term growth and resilience. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3859/indonesias-land-expansion-programme-could-drive-sharp-rise-in-rice-output-study-finds.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3859/indonesias-land-expansion-programme-could-drive-sharp-rise-in-rice-output-study-finds.html Mon, 11 May 2026 13:40:13 +0530 Hasanuddin University research projects rice production may rise nearly 10 per cent in 2025 amid growing food security concerns Hasanuddin University researchers have found that Indonesia’s Planting Area Expansion (PAT) programme could play a major role in reversing declining rice production and strengthening national food security as pressure on agricultural land intensifies. The study, led by Andi Amran Sulaiman, Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture and researcher affiliated with Hasanuddin University, projects that the country’s rice production could reach 58.43 million tonnes in 2025, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared with 2024 levels. According to the study, approximately 30 per cent of the projected production increase — equivalent to around 1.62 million tonnes — could be directly attributed to the government’s PAT programme. The findings were published in the February 2026 edition of AGRIVITA Journal of Agricultural Science. Indonesia has faced mounting concerns over food security in recent years as rice production struggled to keep pace with rising demand driven by population growth and increasing incomes. At the same time, the country has experienced a steady decline in available rice cultivation land due to urbanisation, industrial development and the conversion of farmland for non-rice crops. Between 2020 and 2024, national rice production declined despite growing domestic demand, increasing pressure on policymakers to strengthen agricultural productivity and protect food supplies. In response, the Indonesian government introduced the Planting Area Expansion programme aimed at increasing harvest areas through land optimisation, irrigation improvements and expanded farm-level support systems. The Hasanuddin University research team used a structured vector autoregression econometric model and analysed monthly agricultural data spanning more than three decades, from January 1993 through March 2025. The analysis incorporated multiple variables including rice production, commodity prices, imports, climate patterns and global market conditions to assess the long-term effectiveness of agricultural policy interventions. The study found that existing rice fields could contribute approximately 33 per cent of projected production growth, while fertiliser subsidies and price-related policy measures also played a significant role in supporting output expansion. Researchers said the findings demonstrate the importance of sustained agricultural policy continuity, land protection measures, farmer support systems and technology adoption in strengthening Indonesia’s food security outlook. “These findings underscore that boosting rice production in Indonesia depends on policy continuity, land protection, stronger farmer support and technology adoption,” said Andi Amran Sulaiman. The researchers added that further policy-focused agricultural research would be critical in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The study comes as governments across Asia increasingly prioritise domestic food security and agricultural resilience amid climate volatility, supply chain disruptions and rising global commodity price uncertainty. Indonesia, one of the world’s largest rice-consuming nations, has intensified efforts to improve agricultural productivity while balancing environmental sustainability and land-use pressures. The PAT programme is expected to remain a key component of the country’s broader agricultural modernisation and food security strategy over the coming years. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3845/as-biofuel-demand-surges-india-faces-new-edible-oil-reality.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3845/as-biofuel-demand-surges-india-faces-new-edible-oil-reality.html Fri, 08 May 2026 15:05:36 +0530 Bhavna Shah of IVPA discusses India’s growing role in global edible oil price discovery, the risks of rising import dependence, and why productivity-led reforms are critical for long-term resilience In this exclusive interview, Bhavna Shah, Vice President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, discusses how India’s edible oil sector is navigating a complex intersection of economic growth, climate risks, geopolitical disruptions, and global biofuel policies. She highlights that while India’s structural demand for edible oils remains strong, the country must focus on improving domestic oilseed productivity, strengthening supply-chain resilience, and ensuring policy stability to reduce long-term import vulnerability. The conversation also underscores India’s evolving role from being merely the world’s largest edible oil importer to becoming a major policy-sensitive market influencing global trade flows, pricing dynamics, and supply balances. India’s GDP growth is projected at 7.4 percent in FY26, with services leading the surge. How do you see this macroeconomic resilience translating into demand dynamics for edible oils, particularly in urban versus rural consumption patterns? India’s macro resilience is supporting a stable but more mature edible oil demand cycle. Unlike the post-COVID rebound phase, we are now seeing normalized consumption growth, likely below 2 percent annually on a per capita basis. Urban demand remains relatively resilient, driven by rising disposable incomes, organised retail, QSR expansion, packaged food growth, and premiumisation trends. Consumers are increasingly diversifying across sunflower, rice bran and health-positioned packaged oils, particularly in metro and Tier-1 markets. Rural demand, however, remains more sensitive to food inflation, monsoon outcomes, and real wage growth. Weak monsoons or elevated crude-linked inflation can compress discretionary consumption in rural India, impacting overall edible oil offtake. What is critical in India is the scale effect. Even a 1 kg per capita increase in annual consumption translates into roughly 1.4 million tons of additional demand. So even moderate GDP-led consumption growth creates disproportionate pressure on supply balances and import requirements. Therefore, the challenge is not demand creation — India already has structural demand strength. The challenge is ensuring supply-side elasticity keeps pace with income-driven consumption growth. You’ve described 2026/27 as a convergence year where climate stress, geopolitical shocks, and biofuel mandates collide. What specific risk transmission channels worry you most for India’s edible oil supply chain? The biggest concern is the increasing interconnectedness of risks across commodities, energy, logistics, and agriculture. We are no longer dealing with isolated disruptions; we are dealing with cascading transmission effects. The first major channel is energy-linked inflation. Crude oil volatility directly impacts freight, solvent extraction and other refining  costs, packaging materials, and edible oil prices. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia or the Black Sea immediately increase costs. Second is climate risk. Weak monsoons affect domestic oilseed output, rural incomes, reservoir levels, and input usage simultaneously. This creates both supply-side and demand-side stress coupled with disruption in supply of fertilizers.  Government of India is taking many proactive steps to kee the costs under control and ensure supplies.  Third is global biofuel diversion. Indonesia, Malaysia, the US, and ASEAN biofuel mandates are structurally tightening vegetable oil availability. When biodiesel economics become attractive, edible oils increasingly compete with fuel demand, reducing exportable surpluses. Fourth is supply chain fragility. Delays in Argentina soybean oil shipments, port disruptions, currency volatility, or insurance cost spikes can quickly destabilise import planning. Finally, inflation transmission itself is becoming more complex. India can still manage short-term supply shocks through tactical imports and duty calibration, but repeated external disruptions increase the risk of sticky food inflation feeding into broader CPI expectations. With domestic availability covering only 40–45 percent of consumption and import dependence locked at 55–60 percent, what policy levers can realistically narrow this structural gap in the medium term? There is no single silver bullet. India’s edible oil challenge is structural and requires a multi-layered strategy. First, productivity enhancement is more important than acreage expansion alone. India’s oilseed yields remain significantly below global benchmarks. Improving seed technology, irrigation efficiency, extension services, and mechanisation can deliver more sustainable gains. Second, policy consistency is critical. Frequent duty changes create uncertainty across the value chain. Long-term investment in oilseeds requires predictable pricing and trade policies coupled with a robust domestic exchanges for management of risk.  Third, the National Mission on Edible Oils must move beyond incentives toward ecosystem development — including nursery infrastructure, processing capacity, logistics, and farmer assurance mechanisms. Fourth, crop economics must improve. Farmers continue to favour maize, cotton, or other remunerative crops over oilseeds. Unless oilseed profitability becomes competitive on a risk-adjusted basis, acreage shifts will remain limited. Fifth, India should strategically diversify import origins and reduce concentration risk while simultaneously strengthening domestic crushing and storage infrastructure. In reality, import dependence may moderate gradually, but complete self-sufficiency is unlikely in the foreseeable future given India’s demographic scale and land constraints. The Oil Palm Mission aims to raise palm oil availability to 1.2 MMT by 2030. Given the slow progress in acreage expansion, especially in the North-East, do you believe this target is achievable, or is it more aspirational? The target remains ambitious. Oil palm is fundamentally a long-gestation crop with a 4–5 year maturity cycle. Therefore, policy intent today translates into output gains only several years later as seen in Malaysia, Indonesia,Thailand etc. The North-East has agro-climatic potential, but execution challenges remain significant — including fragmented landholdings, logistics limitations, processing infrastructure gaps, and farmer hesitancy around long gestation periods. Additionally, oil palm economics depend heavily on fresh fruit bunch evacuation efficiency and mill proximity. Without strong downstream infrastructure, plantation expansion alone will not deliver commercially viable outcomes. That said, India has learned from Indonesia and Malaysia that palm offers the highest oil yield per hectare among major oil crops. Strategically, it remains India’s most viable pathway to improving edible oil self-reliance. So, I would describe the 1.2 MMT target as challenging but directionally important. Even partial success materially improves India’s import vulnerability over time. Imports remain range-bound at 15–17 MMT, but the mix is shifting — soybean oil surged to 5 MMT in FY26 while palm oil declined. How does this evolving composition alter India’s bargaining power in global markets? India’s bargaining power is evolving from volume dominance to strategic balancing influence. Historically, India was primarily a price-sensitive palm oil buyer. But as import diversification increases — including higher soybean and sunflower oil participation — India gains greater sourcing flexibility and negotiating leverage and all this  drivers by consumer preferences. At the same time, the global market also becomes more aware of India’s sensitivity to inflation and policy action. Even minor duty changes or buying slowdowns in India can significantly influence global vegetable oil sentiment and price discovery. However, diversification also comes with trade-offs. Soybean oil is more exposed to weather risks in South America and biofuel policies in the Americas. Sunflower oil remains geopolitically vulnerable due to Black Sea disruptions. Palm oil still retains a structural affordability advantage for India, especially for HORECA segment   and foodservice applications. Therefore, diversification improves resilience but does not eliminate dependence. India is increasingly acting not just as the world’s largest buyer, but as the balancing market that absorbs surplus flows and stabilises global trade imbalances. MSP revisions and duty adjustments have been described as incremental and tactical. What structural reforms would you advocate to move beyond short-term inflation management toward long-term resilience? India now needs structural competitiveness, not just tactical intervention. The first reform is a national oilseed productivity mission focused on yield improvement through better genetics, precision farming, and climate-resilient agriculture. Second, India must strengthen farm-to-processing integration. Fragmentation between farmers, crushers, refiners, and downstream users reduces efficiency across the value chain. Third, investment in storage and logistics infrastructure is essential. Better warehousing and buffer mechanisms can reduce volatility during supply shocks. Fourth, policy coordination across food, feed, and fuel sectors has become increasingly important. Corn, DDGS, ethanol, and oilseeds are now economically interconnected. Silo-based policymaking is no longer effective. Fifth, India should encourage private sector participation in research, contract farming frameworks, and value-added processing. Most importantly, reforms must balance farmer remuneration with consumer affordability. India’s edible oil sector sits at the intersection of food security, inflation management, and trade policy — making it one of the most strategically sensitive agri-commodity sectors globally. India is moving from being a pure demand anchor to a policy-driven market shaper. How do you see this transition influencing global price discovery and trade flows in the next five years? India’s influence on global edible oil markets will deepen significantly over the next five years. Traditionally, India was viewed largely as a passive importer responding to global prices. That is changing. Today, India’s import duties, stock positions, procurement behaviour, and policy signals increasingly influence global trade flows and futures sentiment. As global vegetable oil balances tighten due to biofuel mandates and climate volatility, India’s role as the largest structural demand centre becomes even more critical. We are also seeing the emergence of more supply-driven trade flows. China’s soybean oil entering India after decades is an example of how global exporters are recalibrating around Indian demand dynamics. Going forward, India will likely play three simultaneous roles: * A major demand anchor, * A volatility transmission centre, * A policy-sensitive price discovery market. In many ways, India is becoming the balancing mechanism of the global vegetable oil economy. Biofuel mandates are structurally tightening global palm oil supply. How should India balance its energy security ambitions with the unintended consequences for edible oil inflation? This is one of the most important policy balancing acts ahead. Globally, biofuel mandates are no longer cyclical — they are structural. Indonesia, Malaysia, the US, and ASEAN economies are increasingly diverting vegetable oils toward energy applications. India also has legitimate energy security goals, particularly around ethanol blending and renewable fuels. However, India’s edible oil deficit creates a different economic reality compared to producer nations. Therefore, India must adopt a calibrated approach. Food security and inflation stability cannot be compromised in pursuit of aggressive biofuel targets. The focus should be on diversified feedstocks — including used cooking oil, agri-residue, second-generation biofuels, and non-food energy pathways — rather than excessive dependence on edible oils. Equally important is ecosystem alignment. India’s earlier biodiesel experience showed that policy ambition without supply chain viability can leave capacity stranded. The ideal approach is balanced sequencing — scaling energy transition goals while ensuring edible oil affordability, farmer viability, and supply security remain protected. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3841/indonesias-dairy-sector-strengthens-export-momentum-with-first-yogurt-shipment-to-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3841/indonesias-dairy-sector-strengthens-export-momentum-with-first-yogurt-shipment-to-vietnam.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:12:07 +0530 Rising global competitiveness, tighter compliance standards, and expanding Asian demand drive Indonesia’s processed dairy exports into a new growth phase Indonesia’s livestock and dairy industry has marked a significant export milestone with the shipment of processed dairy products to Vietnam, underscoring the sector’s improving global competitiveness and steady transition toward higher value-added agricultural exports. The Ministry of Agriculture described the development as clear evidence that Indonesian dairy products are increasingly aligned with international quality benchmarks, strengthening their position in regional trade. The latest shipment, led by PT Cisarua Mountain Dairy, includes Indonesia’s first export of yogurt to Vietnam, valued at approximately $65,000. The consignment was dispatched from Bogor, West Java, reflecting coordinated execution between industry players and regulatory authorities to ensure export readiness and compliance. Officials noted that the expansion of dairy exports is closely linked to strengthened food safety systems, veterinary supervision, and harmonisation of standards with importing countries. These mechanisms have been central to enabling Indonesia’s gradual entry into more demanding international markets, particularly within Asia. Between 2023 and 2026, Indonesia’s cumulative veterinary-certified dairy and processed livestock product exports exceeded 11.9 million kilograms, with a total value of about $15.3 million. Export destinations have expanded steadily to include Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, and now Vietnam, with the Philippines remaining the largest market to date. Industry stakeholders highlighted that export growth is also supporting domestic market stability by improving absorption of fresh milk supply, thereby contributing to more stable farm-gate prices and better income security for dairy farmers. For processors, expanding export channels is strengthening confidence in scaling production and diversifying product lines. The Ministry of Agriculture has framed the Vietnam entry as part of a broader structural shift toward export-led growth in Indonesia’s dairy sector, where compliance, product quality, and market diversification are increasingly central to industry strategy. Continued government facilitation, including certification support and market access negotiations, is expected to play a key role in sustaining this momentum. Overall, Indonesia’s dairy export trajectory reflects a dual transformation: deeper integration into regional value chains and a gradual elevation of its processed food industry into more competitive international markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3840/minama-research-centre-showcases-ai-drones-and-satellite-tech-in-oil-palm-farming.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3840/minama-research-centre-showcases-ai-drones-and-satellite-tech-in-oil-palm-farming.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:06:54 +0530 Delegation engages with SD Guthrie Seeds to study advanced germplasm development and commercial propagation systems An official delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, led by Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, undertook a structured overseas exposure visit to Pekanbaru in Riau, Indonesia, as part of a broader programme to study global best practices in oil palm cultivation and value chain development. The delegation included senior officials from the departments of agriculture and horticulture, district administrators, agriculture officers, and progressive farmers, with the visit facilitated by the Consulate General of India in Jakarta. During the Indonesia leg of the visit, the team engaged in extensive field-level exposure across oil palm plantations and processing systems, focusing on cultivation techniques, productivity enhancement, harvesting technologies, and downstream value chain management. A key component of the visit included an inspection of advanced research infrastructure at the Minama Research Centre, where delegates observed high-yield planting material development, breeding programmes, and the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, drone surveillance, and satellite imaging in plantation management. The delegation also studied integrated agronomic systems, including biocontrol mechanisms, nutrient management frameworks, and pest control strategies that underpin productivity in one of the world’s most advanced oil palm producing regions. Interactions with industry experts and researchers provided deeper insights into policy frameworks, investment models, smallholder integration systems, terracing techniques, and sustainability certification standards, alongside environmental safeguards and community engagement practices designed to ensure long-term sector viability. Officials noted that the exposure provided a comprehensive understanding of the oil palm value chain, with direct relevance to Arunachal Pradesh’s ongoing efforts under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-Oil Palm). The learnings are expected to support initiatives aimed at expanding cultivation, improving productivity, strengthening processing infrastructure, and enhancing farmer livelihoods through technology adoption and improved agronomic practices. On the sidelines of the visit, the minister also held discussions with select companies to explore potential business collaborations in the oil palm sector, with a focus on investment, technology transfer, and value chain development. Prior to the Indonesia engagement, the delegation visited Malaysia, where they interacted with progressive farmers and agriculture officials to study advanced oil palm cultivation practices. The programme included a visit to SD Guthrie Seeds and Agricultural Services on Carey Island, Selangor, a globally recognised leader in oil palm seed production and supply systems, facilitated by the Deputy High Commission of India. The minister stated that the exposure visits highlighted critical gaps that must be addressed to achieve NMEO-Oil Palm targets in Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasised the need for scaling up oil palm expansion, strengthening farmer-industry linkages, improving productivity, and building robust processing infrastructure to develop a sustainable and commercially viable oil palm ecosystem in the state. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3839/queensland-victoria-and-tasmania-gain-new-export-approvals-in-indonesia-trade-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3839/queensland-victoria-and-tasmania-gain-new-export-approvals-in-indonesia-trade-expansion.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:20 +0530 Geographically diversified production base strengthens Australia’s ability to scale halal meat exports The Australian Government has announced the approval of five additional export meat establishments for shipments to Indonesia, marking a significant expansion of market access for the country’s red meat sector. One of the newly approved facilities has also been authorised to export sheep and goat meat, further broadening the scope of Australia’s halal protein offerings in a key Southeast Asian market. Indonesia remains a strategically important destination for Australian halal red meat, with beef and veal ranking as Australia’s third-largest agricultural export commodity to the country in 2025, valued at approximately $581 million . This figure has risen by 49 percent since 2022, reflecting sustained demand growth and strengthening bilateral trade relations under the current Australian administration. Strengthening Halal Supply Chains Through Regulatory Alignment and Industry Collaboration The latest approvals follow extensive engagement between the Australian Government, domestic industry stakeholders, and Indonesian regulatory authorities, underscoring a coordinated approach to expanding agricultural trade access. The newly listed establishments are located across Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania, reflecting the geographically distributed strength of Australia’s red meat production base. According to government statements, the approvals will enable increased export volumes of high-quality halal-certified meat products into Indonesia, while simultaneously reinforcing consumer confidence in Australia’s biosecurity and halal compliance systems. Second Successful Indonesian Audit Cycle in Two Years Signals Deepening Trade Confidence This development represents the second positive audit outcome in two years, with a total of seven Australian export meat establishments approved since November 2024. The repeated approvals are widely interpreted as a signal of Indonesia’s growing confidence in Australia’s regulatory framework for halal meat production and export integrity. Trade Diversification Strategy Delivers Broader Market Access for Australian Agriculture Officials have emphasised that Australia’s agricultural export base is now more diversified than at any point in its history, providing farmers and producers with expanded access to high-growth international markets. The continued opening of Indonesian market channels is expected to enhance value creation across the supply chain, from livestock producers to processors and exporters. Government Frames Expansion as Structural Win for Red Meat Sector Growth The Australian Government has positioned the approvals as part of a broader strategy to support agricultural export expansion and global competitiveness. Increased access to Indonesia is expected to deliver tangible commercial benefits, while also reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality halal red meat in global markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3817/cargill-advances-sustainable-cocoa-production-in-indonesia-with-rp38-8-bn-farmer-premium-program.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3817/cargill-advances-sustainable-cocoa-production-in-indonesia-with-rp38-8-bn-farmer-premium-program.html Tue, 05 May 2026 17:24:49 +0530 More than 7,800 farmers benefit from Rainforest Alliance certification-linked payments Cargill has strengthened its commitment to sustainable cocoa production in Indonesia by distributing approximately Rp38.8 billion in premium payments to more than 7,800 farmers participating in the Rainforest Alliance certification program, reinforcing efforts to build a more transparent, traceable, and resilient cocoa supply chain. The premiums, which are provided in addition to income from cocoa bean sales, were allocated to farmers in Central Sulawesi (Rp35 billion) and East Nusa Tenggara (Rp3.8 billion). These payments are tied to compliance with internationally recognized sustainability standards and form part of Cargill’s broader cocoa sourcing initiative focused on improving productivity, quality, and market access for smallholder farmers. “Supporting farmers is essential to building a resilient and transparent cocoa supply chain,” said Brook Chang, Director for Sustainability, Food APAC at Cargill. “Through training, certification, and premium incentives linked to verified sustainability standards, we are helping improve farmer incomes and strengthen supply reliability for global customers.” In Central Sulawesi, the program currently supports over 5,600 farmers, including more than 600 women, while sourcing approximately 16,000 metric tons of Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa beans between May 2023 and February 2026. In East Nusa Tenggara, around 2,200 farmers are engaged in the initiative, contributing approximately 2,000 metric tons of certified cocoa over the same period. The program includes training in good agricultural practices, farm rehabilitation, and digital traceability systems, implemented in partnership with PT Rayner Anugrah Kemurahan (PT RAK). The initiative also operates six demonstration farms and five nurseries producing up to 30,000 cocoa seedlings to support replanting and farm productivity improvements. Premium distribution activities were marked through Farmer Field Days, which provided platforms for knowledge exchange and recognition of high-performing farmers. Stakeholders said the initiative is helping strengthen both productivity and farmer livelihoods while improving access to global markets. “The efforts and dedication of farmers are reflected in consistent farm management practices and quality improvements,” said Lukmansyah, Team Manager for Cocoa Rainforest Alliance Indonesia. “Certification provides a structured framework that supports traceability and supply chain transparency.” Local government officials also welcomed the initiative, noting its contribution to rural development and income growth in cocoa-producing regions. “This collaboration supports efforts to improve farmer livelihoods and strengthen Indonesia’s cocoa sector,” said Mustofa Tohan, Head of the Agriculture and Plantation Office of Poso Regency. “It enhances productivity and expands access to traceable markets, supporting regional economic growth.” Cargill, which has operated in Indonesia for more than five decades, said the program reflects its long-term commitment to strengthening sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers in key cocoa-producing regions across the country. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3740/australia-locks-in-emergency-urea-supply-from-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3740/australia-locks-in-emergency-urea-supply-from-indonesia.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:07:56 +0530 Government-backed deal covers 20 per cent of seasonal fertiliser shortfall amid global supply strains Australia has secured a critical boost to its fertiliser supply, with a new agreement set to deliver 250,000 tonnes of urea from Indonesia amid tightening global markets and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. The deal between Incitec Pivot Limited and PT Pupuk Indonesia will supply agricultural-grade urea between May and December, covering roughly 20 per cent of the country’s remaining fertiliser requirements for the current season. The agreement comes as Australia faces reduced shipments from the Middle East—traditionally the source of around 60 per cent of its urea imports—due to escalating regional tensions. Backed by both the Australian and Indonesian governments, the deal underscores a growing shift toward regional partnerships to safeguard agricultural inputs. Incitec Pivot chief operating officer Scott Bowman said the arrangement represents a vital step in supporting domestic farming operations. “This additional volume is a critical component in meeting the needs of Australian farmers during a challenging period,” Bowman said, noting that reliable fertiliser supply is essential to maintaining farm output and regional food security. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the government played an active role in facilitating the outcome, working closely with industry and international partners. “This agreement guarantees fertiliser supply at a critical time for Australian farmers,” Collins said, adding that efforts are ongoing to secure further volumes in the months ahead. In parallel, the federal government has introduced streamlined biosecurity measures to accelerate fertiliser imports from alternative suppliers, including countries such as Nigeria and Oman. The changes aim to reduce costs and delays while maintaining strict safeguards against contaminants. The supply push follows recent diplomatic engagements across Southeast Asia, including talks with Brunei and Malaysia, as Australia seeks to diversify its fertiliser sources beyond traditional markets. Despite the new deal, officials caution that supply pressures may persist later in the year, with global volatility and high input costs continuing to weigh on the agricultural sector. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3630/indonesia-advocates-for-agricultural-reform-at-wto-ahead-of-2026-ministerial-conference.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3630/indonesia-advocates-for-agricultural-reform-at-wto-ahead-of-2026-ministerial-conference.html Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:16:34 +0530 Indonesia leads G-33 efforts to revive WTO agricultural negotiations Indonesia is taking a proactive stance in advocating for agricultural reform discussions ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, scheduled for March 26–29, 2026, in Cameroon. Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized that this conference presents a critical opportunity to revive stalled agricultural negotiations within the WTO. As the coordinator of the G-33 group of developing countries, Indonesia is calling for these discussions to remain firmly development-oriented. The focus is on addressing key issues such as food security, the welfare of smallholder farmers, and national development priorities, which must shape the direction of global agricultural reform. The G-33 Ministerial Meeting, themed "G-33 Priorities and Collective Action toward MC-14 for Advancing Inclusive WTO Agricultural Negotiation," is a significant step in this effort. One of the primary objectives of this meeting is to align a Joint Ministerial Statement to be delivered at the WTO conference. According to Minister Budi, this statement will reaffirm the G-33 ministers' commitment to a rules-based, fair, inclusive, and transparent multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. Indonesia is determined to adopt a firm yet constructive approach to ensure that the interests of developing countries are prioritized in the agricultural reform agenda. Key aspects of Indonesia's advocacy include the issue of Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes (PSH) to safeguard food security, the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) as a tool to address import surges, and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions to support developing nations. These mechanisms are critical for ensuring that the agricultural policies of the WTO address the unique challenges faced by developing countries. Minister Budi highlighted that Indonesia, together with other G-33 members, will intensify coordination efforts to keep these priorities at the forefront of discussions in the lead-up to the ministerial conference. In a statement issued in Jakarta, Minister Budi underscored the importance of using the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference as momentum to reinvigorate agricultural negotiations that have stagnated in recent years. He stated, “Indonesia stresses that the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference must be used to reinvigorate agricultural negotiations that have stalled over the past few years. As coordinator of the G-33, Indonesia calls for WTO agricultural reform to remain development-oriented.” He further explained that reform must prioritize food security, the welfare of smallholder farmers, and national development interests, reflecting the need for a fairer global agricultural policy direction. Indonesia’s leadership in this forum demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and responsive multilateral trading system. Minister Budi affirmed, “Indonesia’s active leadership in this forum reaffirms the national commitment to fighting for a more inclusive, responsive, and development-oriented multilateral trading system, particularly in supporting food security and the welfare of smallholder farmers.” This commitment underscores Indonesia's determination to ensure that the voices of developing countries are heard and their needs are addressed in the global agricultural reform process. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3615/usda-initiates-a-trade-mission-to-indonesia-aimed-at-boosting-exports-cutting-costs-and-supporting-american-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3615/usda-initiates-a-trade-mission-to-indonesia-aimed-at-boosting-exports-cutting-costs-and-supporting-american-farmers.html Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:49:17 +0530 The delegation included 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg met in Jakarta, Indonesia, to lead an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The delegation includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture. “While Indonesia was our 11th largest market in 2024, the opportunities here in the world’s fourth most populous nation cannot be overstated,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “We are here to showcase the strength and diversity of U.S. food and agricultural products – and to demonstrate how recent commitments from Indonesian officials will translate into new sales that drive dollars back into the pockets of America’s farmers, ranchers and communities. When producers can reach more customers abroad, they can spread costs, operate more efficiently, strengthening their bottom line and making goods more affordable at home.”  Indonesia is an upper-middle-income country with a real GDP of $4.1 trillion, an annual growth rate of 5%, and a large, rapidly expanding middle class, the country offers strong demand for high-quality imported food and agricultural goods. Its young population is also driving a growing interest in innovative and convenient food products, reflecting new opportunities for U.S. exporters. This trade mission is happening at a critical time thanks to the landmark U.S.–Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all U.S. agricultural exports and reduces longstanding non‑tariff barriers, unlocking more than $1.6 billion in U.S. agricultural exports and helping to rebalance trade. In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, generating projected 12-month sales of $125 million. Building on that success, USDA will lead missions in 2026 to the Philippines, Türkiye, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3588/indonesia-and-us-finalize-trade-deal-with-19-reciprocal-tariff-intact.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3588/indonesia-and-us-finalize-trade-deal-with-19-reciprocal-tariff-intact.html Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:10:34 +0530 US will eliminate tariffs on key Indonesian products including palm oil, rubber, coffee, cacao, spices  Indonesia and the United States (US) have concluded a landmark trade agreement under which Washington will maintain a 19 % reciprocal tariff rate on Indonesian imports. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump signed a document on Friday 20th Feb 2026, confirming their strong commitment to implementing the agreement. Under the deal, the White House said Indonesia has agreed to eliminate tariff barriers on over 99 % of US exports across all sectors, including agricultural and health products, seafood, ICT goods, automotive products, and chemicals. Certain identified products from Indonesia will receive a 0% reciprocal tariff rate, including selected textile and apparel goods for a tobe-specified import volume. The White House said Indonesia would also address and prevent barriers to US agricultural products by exempting food and agricultural goods from all import licensing regimes and ensuring transparency and fairness in geographical indications, including for meats and cheeses. Both countries will also cooperate to increase supply chain resilience, address duty evasion, and ensure adequate export controls and investment security. In addition, Indonesia will address a range of non-tariff barriers by exempting US companies and goods from local content requirements, recognising US federal motor vehicle safety and emission standards. Indonesia will also remove burdensome certification and labelling requirements, eliminating pre-shipment requirements, and take steps to resolve longstanding intellectual property issues. The White House said that both countries also welcomed commercial agreements valued at approximately US$33 billion in agriculture, aerospace, and energy in the US, which are expected to further increase US exports to Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the signing of 11 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth US$38.4 billion between Indonesian and US businesses on Wednesday, 18th Feb 2026. The agreements were signed during a Business Summit roundtable organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building in Washington DC. The commitments include purchases of approximately US$15 billion in US energy commodities, procurement of commercial aircraft and aviation-related goods and services worth about US$13.5 billion, including from Boeing, and over US$4.5 billion in US agricultural products. The US currently runs its 15th-largest goods trade deficit with Indonesia, totalling US$23.7 billion in 2025. Before the agreement, Indonesia’s simple average applied tariff stood at eight per cent compared with 3.3 per cent in the US. “The signing of these 11 MoUs represents concrete collaboration between the public and private sectors of both countries across various fields,” the State Secretariat said in an official statement. Notably, the total value of the 11 agreements exceeds the USD 7 billion previously cited by US-ABC, which included Indonesia’s planned purchases of 1 million tonnes of US soybeans, 1.6 million tonnes of corn and 93,000 tonnes of cotton. The council said Indonesia would also buy 1 million tons of wheat this year and up to 5 million tons by 2030. Some of the notable MoUs included; An agriculture (corn) MoU between PT Cargill Indonesia, PT Arena Agro Andalan and Cargill Inc; A cotton MoU between Busana Apparel Group and the U.S. National Cotton Council; A cotton MoU between Daehan Global and the U.S. National Cotton Council; A furniture and wood products MoU between HIMKI and the American Hardwood Export Council. Indonesia's imports from the US included soybeans valued at US$685 million, wheat at US$1.25 billion, cotton at US$122 million, and US shredded worn clothing for recycling at US$200 million. Between 2015 and 2024, it imported an average of 2.3 million metric tons of soybeans, nearly 800,000 tons of wheat, around 180,000 tons of cotton, and less than 100,000 tons of corn annually, per US Census Bureau data. In recent years, Indonesia has spent approximately US$3 billion yearly on US agricultural products, ranking as the 11th-largest market for US farm goods. In July 2025, Indonesia revealed business agreements with the US totaling US$34 billion as part of tariff negotiations, which included wheat and soybean import deals similar to those finalized on Wednesday. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3559/koreas-dabeeo-partners-with-indonesias-triputra-agro-for-ai-plantation-monitoring.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3559/koreas-dabeeo-partners-with-indonesias-triputra-agro-for-ai-plantation-monitoring.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:12:34 +0530 The agreement covers an AI- and satellite-imagery-based plantation monitoring project for oil palm estates in Indonesia Dabeeo, a South Korean AI-based data intelligence company, announced that it has signed an AI-based plantation monitoring agreement with Triputra Agro Persada Tbk, one of Indonesia’s leading agricultural conglomerates, accelerating its business expansion across Southeast Asia. The agreement covers an AI- and satellite-imagery-based plantation monitoring project for oil palm estates in Indonesia. It represents the expansion of Dabeeo’s proven Vision AI technology and platform—already validated in commercial operating environments—across large-scale plantation operations. Beyond conventional remote sensing analysis, the collaboration is significant in that Dabeeo’s technology has been recognized as a comprehensive solution encompassing precision agriculture monitoring and on-site operational management. Leveraging high-resolution satellite imagery and AI analytics, Dabeeo provides tree-level identification, health assessment, and change detection. These capabilities are combined with 3D terrain analysis and land suitability evaluation to deliver a holistic view of plantation conditions. Analytical results are made available through Dabeeo’s web-based platform and mobile applications, enabling real-time data sharing between field operations and headquarters. Notably, the agreement includes the direct integration of the client’s on-site field data into Dabeeo’s web and mobile platforms. For example, when harvested fruit bunches are temporarily stockpiled at collection points but not yet loaded onto trucks, location data provided by the client is accurately visualized on satellite-based maps within the platform. This enables truck drivers to receive precise navigation guidance from their current location to the designated collection points the following day. During the rainy season, routes that avoid flooded roads and prioritize well-maintained access paths can be recommended, improving transportation efficiency. By reducing delays and minimizing the risk of fruit spoilage after harvest, the solution is expected to deliver tangible productivity gains in plantation operations. By combining satellite and AI analytics with customer-owned field data, Dabeeo has evolved beyond a standalone analytics tool into a fully integrated platform that supports end-to-end operational decision-making. Building on the Triputra collaboration, Dabeeo is rapidly expanding partnerships with major palm oil groups across Indonesia. The company is already working with TSE Group, Salim Group, and South Korea’s POSCO Group, and has also entered the Malaysian market through a partnership with Sawit Kinabalu. These achievements were realized within a short period following the establishment of Dabeeo’s Indonesian subsidiary, underscoring the company’s growing presence in the Southeast Asian market. Dabeeo is also engaged in active discussions with multiple global players, including Asian Agri and other multinational enterprises, further strengthening expectations for continued business expansion. “This agreement is not a customer-specific project, but a recognition of Dabeeo’s AI-based plantation solution as an integrated platform that spans precision agriculture monitoring and on-site operational management,” said Victor Choi, Vice President of Dabeeo. “By combining satellite and AI analytics with our clients’ field data, we are delivering a platform that can be immediately applied to real-world plantation operations. Starting from Indonesia, we plan to expand rapidly into Malaysia and beyond.” Meanwhile, Dabeeo continues to drive global business growth across plantations, forestry, infrastructure, and other industries through its Dabeeo Eartheye Plantation platform, which integrates satellite imagery, drones, and AI technologies. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3554/fourth-industrial-revolution-at-sea-why-technology-adoption-is-real-test-for-sustainable-fisheries.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3554/fourth-industrial-revolution-at-sea-why-technology-adoption-is-real-test-for-sustainable-fisheries.html Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:29:27 +0530 SAFET Executive Director Inga Wise explains how proven ocean technologies, if adopted at scale and tailored to local contexts, could mark a tipping point for sustainable ocean management under the UN Ocean Decade At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, progress toward sustainable fisheries remains uneven—not because of a single missing piece, but due to the need for context-specific combinations of technologies, adoption pathways, and incentives, a challenge SAFET addresses through its SEA-TECH-IN-MOTION mapping tool. In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Inga Wise, Executive Director of SAFET, describes the current moment as a “Fourth Industrial Revolution at Sea,” marked by the availability of proven technologies and a critical shift from pilots to real-world adoption. Inga notes that tools such as satellite surveillance, AI-driven behavioral analysis, and in-situ sensors are already demonstrating impact against IUU fishing, though broader deployment is still constrained by structural, economic, and governance barriers. Ultimately, she emphasizes that SAFET’s role is not to dictate priorities or metrics, but to enable informed decision-making by showing how technology can support measurable progress toward established global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14. At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, progress appears uneven. From SAFET’s vantage point, where is the gap largest today—technology availability, adoption by industry, regulatory alignment, or political will—and what evidence most clearly supports that assessment? From SAFET’s perspective, there is no single gap that, if overcome, will unblock progress. Every context is different, and each situation requires a different solution or combination of technologies to be successful. This is why SAFET’s SEA-TECH-IN-MOTION map exists, to highlight as broad a cross section of solutions in different contexts as possible to enable implementers to find the most relevant parallels to their situation to learn from.  Your report frames this moment as a “Fourth Industrial Revolution at Sea.” What differentiates this technological wave from earlier digitization efforts in fisheries, and why should decision-makers believe this time will deliver systemic change rather than incremental improvements? Whilst the Fourth Industrial Revolution at sea has been building for some time with technologies being developed and tested in various situations, we are now approaching a critical point where there are sufficient proven technologies available and the focus now needs to shift to support regarding adoption. By highlighting where technologies have been most successfully used, SAFET aims to enable faster adoption and reduce the need to reinvent the wheel. Giving potential adopters of solutions examples that relate to their challenges and pathways that relate to their goals enables informed choices that are right for their requirement. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains stubbornly pervasive. Which technologies highlighted in the report have demonstrated the strongest real-world impact against IUU fishing, and what structural barriers still prevent their wider deployment? There are a wide range of technologies now in use that have been proven effective against IUU fishing, including satellite surveillance, AI behavioural analysis, in-situ sensors, and many more. To date, many deployments have been of a pilot nature. We are now seeing a more widespread adoption, which in turn will reduce opportunities for IUU catch to enter the supply chain.  SEA-TECH-IN-MOTION emphasizes real-world case studies over theoretical promise. In reviewing deployments globally, what patterns separate successful implementations from those that underperform or stall—and what lessons should governments and industry leaders draw before investing? One of the main lessons we have seen is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  Each context and challenge area is different and what worked for a technology deployment in one situation may not work in another. Hence, with our new tool, SEA-TECH-IN-MOTION, we provide filters where the viewer can choose desired outcome, species, geographic location, and more to find projects that relate to their needs.  Consumer trust and traceability are central themes, yet mislabeling rates remain high. Is the challenge primarily technological, economic, or cultural within supply chains—and how realistic is full transparency at scale by 2030? The factors contributing to mislabelling vary across seafood supply chains, which are often complex and fragmented. As a result, the challenge is not confined to a single dimension, but reflects an interaction between technological, economic, and cultural elements.Technology can significantly improve traceability by reducing manual data entry, improving data accuracy, and enabling better data sharing across supply chain segments, but it is not sufficient on its own. Its impact depends on consistent use, data quality, and alignment across diverse actors. At the same time, economic and cultural factors — such as incentives, governance, and standardised data sharing practices — shape how effectively technology is integrated into daily operations. Looking to 2030, full transparency at scale represents an ambitious objective, with progress likely to depend on continued alignment across technological, economic, and cultural factors. Sustainability goals often collide with short-term commercial pressures. How can SAFET’s work help align economic incentives for fishers and seafood companies with long-term ecosystem health, particularly in developing coastal economies? We approach this primarily as an independent, information-sharing role rather than as an implementer. Our work focuses on raising awareness of solutions that contribute to broader sustainability goals and on improving understanding of what tools and approaches are available, how they can be adopted, and where they may be most relevant. By bringing together this information in one place, we aim to make it easier for fisheries, seafood companies, and other industry stakeholders to explore options that align operational needs with sustainability concerns. In many cases, it is already clear that some kind of technology solution is required, but it can be difficult to navigate the various options and understand how a given solution relates to the outcomes required. Our work aims to help clarify those options and outcomes, so those seeking solutions can make informed decisions that fit their local context and commercial realities.   The report highlights more than 10 enabling technologies. If forced to prioritize, which two or three technologies should receive immediate global focus—and which widely discussed solutions do you believe are currently overhyped? As an independent organisation, SAFET’s goal is not to prioritise but to provide the information about where and when these technologies have been successfully deployed to support sustainability initiatives. Given that every situation is different, it is more important that implementers have access to the information we gather to find technologies relevant to their own initiatives and make decisions accordingly.  Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, success will be judged by outcomes, not intent. What specific, measurable changes would convince you that the seafood and fisheries sector has truly crossed a tipping point toward sustainable ocean management? This is a good question, but we would be cautious about defining specific metrics ourselves. Progress toward sustainable ocean management is already framed through established, measurable indicators, particularly those set out under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14.  The role of SAFET is not to define success, but to highlight how different technologies can contribute to demonstrable progress against these shared frameworks as more implementation examples emerge.  ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:50:16 +0530 Codex and FAO officials detail how updated standards aim to protect consumers without triggering disproportionate trade disruption for export-dependent economies In an exclusive Agrospectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum interview with global food-standards leaders — Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary; Lingping Zhang, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Gracia Brisco, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; and Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat — CAC48 emerges as a decisive moment for Codex amid rising geopolitical fragmentation. The experts reaffirm Codex’s science-based, consensus-driven mandate, which shaped major reforms including additive reviews, aflatoxin updates, pesticide-residue reference guidelines and new maximum lead levels for spices. They underline how improved Codes of Practice, surveillance support and harmonised quality parameters enable consumer protection while minimising trade disruption for export-reliant economies. Looking ahead, they highlight the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which places digital traceability, climate-risk foresight, and advanced analytical technologies at the core of modernising global food safety governance. Edited excerpts; Codex at a Geopolitical Crossroads The 48th Session saw critical standards adopted across additives, contaminants, and fresh-produce quality. At a time when food systems face geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain shocks, and rising protectionism, how does Codex ensure these standards remain science-led, globally harmonized, and insulated from political pressure? The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a Member-driven body with its commitment to a science-based approach to standard setting enshrined in its procedures. Its work is guided by its strategic goals, and its core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Codex texts are the benchmark for food safety under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and are relevant to the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) where WTO members refer to harmonization with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius for food-related issues such as labelling. Codex standards play an important role in addressing specific trade concerns or for dispute settlement cases. Wherever you are, whatever you do, safe food is an everyday need. And it is a global commodity. These aspects are integral to every discussion in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “Together” was also the theme of CAC48, which served to highlight that when it comes to food safety and quality it is only by working together that we can effectively and efficiently ensure food is safe and of good quality.  The GSFA Overhaul: Science, Safety, and Consumer Trust More than 500 food additive provisions were reviewed, leading to revocations and new inclusions. What principles guided the reassessment—particularly for colourants like annatto extracts—and how does FAO ensure regulators and industry transition smoothly to these updated provisions without disrupting product availability or trade flows? All Codex work is conducted following approval by CAC. Thus, the decision for reassessment was taken by Members. In the case of annatto extracts, this decision was based on: The need to align the General standard for food additives with relevant sections of commodity standards. In this case, for example, there was a need to align with the Standard for fermented milks, which does not provide for the addition of annatto extracts in plain milk. Codex texts are developed through consensus by all its Members in a deliberate manner that often spans a timeframe of several years. The national Codex contact points serve as a primary node to disseminate all applicable information to national stakeholders. In addition, FAO provides support when requested by Member Countries to strengthen national Codex structures, thereby enhancing national capabilities in disseminating all relevant Codex texts to national stakeholders. Aflatoxins in Peanuts: New Science, New Responsibilities The revised Code of Practice on aflatoxins integrates updated agronomic science, maturity-stage tables, and roasting effects. How will FAO help producing countries—especially smallholder-dependent economies—translate these best practices into field-level change? Are new surveillance, extension, or capacity-building mechanisms planned? FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly. FAO and Codex furthermore have published numerous guidance documents, codes of practice and related texts that is publicly available, ready to be used by any other organization that would like to use this information in order to support producers of peanuts. Lead Limits in Spices: Balancing Public Health and Trade facilitation With new maximum levels now set for dried bark (cinnamon) and culinary herbs, exporting nations such as —India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia—face compliance pressure. How does Codex balance the dual mandate of protecting consumers health while ensuring fair practices in trade, in this case, preventing trade disruptions for economies reliant on spice exports? The mandate to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade is the statutory purpose of CAC. This means that, when it comes to food safety standards such as maximum levels for contaminants in foods, CAC will not establish more stringent measures than necessary to protect consumers health so that the measures themselves do not become a technical barrier to trade which may then translate in trade disruption that may impact economic growth and ultimately food security.   Although spices and culinary herbs are consumed in small amounts, as opposed to other foods, it remains important to assess the safety of lead levels in these foods due to the impact of lead toxicity on human health that may include neurodevelopmental effects such as decreases in Intelligence Quota (IQ) and attention span in children, impaired renal function, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impaired fertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore the ALARA continued to apply when CCCF discusses risk management considerations related to health and trade so that while ensuring the safety of the food, this does not imply high rejections rate of lot consignments, at import control point. CCCF does provide support to Codex Members to enable them to comply with MLs, by developing codes of practice, a compendium of risk management measures and practices to assist in reducing food contamination, in this case CAC40 adopted in 2017 the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxins in spices (CXC 78-2017). FAO does have a role to play in assisting countries with the implementation of the CoP, helping them to identify specific risk management measures that may not be included in the CoP, as they are usually overarching texts, that can complement the measures applicable worldwide that are described in these CoPs. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted MLs for lead in spices and culinary herbs, specifically, dried bark (cinnamon) and dried culinary herbs. The MLs are 2.5 mg/kg for lead in spices, dried bark and 2.0 mg/kg for lead in culinary herbs, dried and will now be added to the General Standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed (CXS 193-1995).  Pesticide Reference Materials: A Quiet but Critical Reform The guidelines allowing extended use of pesticide reference materials beyond labelled expiry dates could significantly reduce laboratory costs and waste. What drove this reform? And how does FAO envision it strengthening residue monitoring systems in low- and middle-income countries where testing infrastructure remains limited? Pesticide residues in food are a subject of particular concern for consumers and in the food trade. To ensure the safety of food, the regulation of pesticide use, and relevant residues, must be enforced and guaranteed. Part of the process of testing for pesticide residues relies on laboratories being able to access what are known as reference materials, or RMs. But these are costly and sold with 2-to-5-year short-term expiry dates, though there is no requirement to find maximum shelf life. This can force laboratories to buy new RMs more frequently than potentially necessary. This leads to additional work and additional costs, and that can hinder how much testing can be done.  The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted guidelines that provide a scientifically sound framework to monitor the purity and stability of reference materials under defined conditions, which, if implemented correctly, may allow continued use of RMs beyond their expiry date - where purity remains within acceptable limits. This reduces recurring costs, minimizes waste, and ensures confidence in the reliability of pesticide residue analysis.  The work on the development of guidelines for monitoring the purity and stability of reference materials of pesticides during prolonged storage commenced at CCPR51 in 2019, when some delegations expressed concerns regarding the limitation of the use of reference materials beyond the expiry date, leading to significant recurring costs for laboratories. As chair of the electronic working group (EWG), India led the work to develop these guidelines. FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly.  Read more about this work in the 2025 edition of the CODEX magazine   Standard for Fresh Dates: Trade Enablement for Climate-Stressed Regions The new standard comes after a decade of negotiations and is deeply important for date-producing regions across the Middle East and North Africa. How will harmonized quality parameters—size, colour, uniformity, defects—reshape global trade? Can such standards help climate-stressed producers secure better prices in high-value retail markets ? By adopting the new Standard for fresh dates, Codex Members now have an international reference that provides the baseline for international trade of this commodity upon which trading partners can agree on additional quality provisions based on their consumers’ preferences. For producing countries, this opens up trade possibilities across the globe, which, in many cases, will support the livelihoods of small producers, bolster economies and provide a safe, good quality product for consumers worldwide. Castilla Lulo (Naranjilla): Regional Standards as a Strategic Tool This new regional standard reflects the fruit’s cultural importance and emerging trade value in Latin America. What criteria does Codex use to decide when a product merits a regional rather than global standard? And do regional standards serve as testbeds for potential future global adoption? When considering new work proposed by FAO/WHO regional coordinating committees, CAC considers, amongst other things, whether the new work is justified on the grounds that the product in question is significantly traded intraregionally and that there is no significant trade between or within other regions When a commodity for which there is a regional standard, sees increased trade at a global level, the coordinating committee concerned, or a Member, can propose extension of the territorial application of the standard. This involves new work, which has to be approved by CAC. CAC48 approved, for example, new work on converting the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) to a worldwide standard, work that will be carried out by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP). The Next Frontier: Modernizing Codex for a New Era of Food Risks From AI-driven food systems to precision fermentation, novel ingredients, and climate-linked contaminants, food safety risks are evolving faster than many national regulatory systems. What are FAO’s top priorities for modernizing Codex over the next decade? How will future standards incorporate digital traceability, climate risk modelling, and new analytical technologies? FAO is a parent organization of Codex, together with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, work prioritization in Codex is the remit of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. CAC47 adopted the Codex strategic plan 2026–2031 and CAC48 its monitoring framework. The purpose of the Codex strategic plan and its renewal and renegotiation every five years is to ensure that Codex work is aimed at achieving the most appropriate objectives. FAO has a very long-standing tradition to inform the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its subsidiary bodies with all relevant information to facilitate forward looking workplanning. FAO continues to offer its support to all its members and the members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to assist in national capacity building activities to strengthen food control systems, food safety governance and all related aspects. The new strategic plan has as its first Strategic Goal to: Respond to Members’ needs for protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade in an evolving global landscape, by developing science-based standards and related texts 1.1 Foresight and horizon-scanning activities are used to support the identification of issues likely to impact food safety, quality and trade. 1.2 Scientific advice that addresses the needs identified by CAC and its subsidiary bodies is primarily provided by FAO and WHO and their joint scientific advisory bodies, informed by globally representative data and appropriate international expertise and methodology. 1.3 Scientific advice is used by CAC and subsidiary bodies in line with Codex risk analysis principles. 1.4 Codex standards and related texts are developed, reviewed and adopted in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner. Thus, with reference to FAO’s foresight programme ( https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/foresight/en/ ), Codex will aim to keep ahead of emerging trends Codex work is already addressing some of the key emerging issues and adapting based on Members’ priorities: Digital traceability is already a key topic of discussion in the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), and work is ongoing to develop texts for the digitalization of national food control systems. CAC47 adopted the Codex Committee on Food Labelling’s (CCFL’s) Guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce New food sources and production systems have been discussed extensively in Codex in recent years. In this context several areas of new work are under discussion which will help define how codex addresses this emerging area moving forward. Changing climate is also impacting food safety and this is also impacting the standard setting work of Codex. For example, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) elaborated and CAC47 adopted the Code of practice for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, in response to the evolving nature of this issue, which is related to climate factors. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene developed and CAC46 adopted Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing in response to Members concerns about the need to ensure that in the context of water resource challenges, the safety of food was not negatively impacted. There is a continued emphasis, particularly within CCCF, on the issue of mycotoxins, the threat of which is evolving and possibly expanding as climate factors change. —---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3488/indonesia-to-boost-fertilizer-industry-and-agricultural-productivity-with-bilateral-trade-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3488/indonesia-to-boost-fertilizer-industry-and-agricultural-productivity-with-bilateral-trade-cooperation.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:05:13 +0530 Strengthens economic and trade cooperation with Belarus Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie (Anin), held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Viktor Karankevich at the Kadin Indonesia Tower on December 16. The meeting focused on strengthening economic and trade cooperation, with discussions on investment opportunities and strategic industries. Anin highlighted several areas of collaboration, including the fertilizer industry, agricultural productivity, and the industrialization of heavy equipment. Belarus, a major supplier of potash to Indonesia, is seen as a key partner in boosting agricultural output through technology and mechanization. Opportunities for heavy equipment production, such as buses and large-capacity tractors, were also discussed. Additionally, the meeting explored Belarus’ potential to tap into Indonesia’s vast halal market. Anin emphasized Belarus’ strategic position as a gateway for Indonesia to expand economic ties with the Eurasian region, particularly in light of the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) discussions. Trade between Indonesia and Belarus reached approximately USD 400 million in 2025, and Anin expressed optimism that the CEPA could significantly increase this figure. The agreement, which includes other Eurasian nations like Russia, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, is expected to open broader market access and accelerate economic growth. The meeting was attended by several Kadin Indonesia leaders, including Shinta W. Kamdani, Juan Permata Adoe, and Bernardino M. Vega, among others. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3473/padang-co-unveils-the-southeast-asia-green-economy-landscape-2025-report.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3473/padang-co-unveils-the-southeast-asia-green-economy-landscape-2025-report.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:09:30 +0530 Maps 1,089 companies across Southeast Asia - Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines Padang & Co, a Singapore-based innovation company, has released the Southeast Asia Green Economy Landscape 2025 report, mapping 1,089 startups, scale-ups and SMEs across seven sectors shaping the region’s emerging green economy. .   The report outlines the most urgent priorities for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, spotlighting how the seven high impact sectors: Nature, Agriculture & Food;  Energy Transition; Transportation & Logistics; Industrial Decarbonisation; Circular Economy & Waste; Built Environment; and Climate Markets & Enablers, are evolving and where innovation can move the needle fastest.  The study highlights that Southeast Asia has the technology solutions and what we require now is speed and scale. Startups and SMEs are creating the innovations our region needs, but fragmentation, slow adoption, and system bottlenecks are holding back progress.  A separate report earlier this year, ‘jointly produced by Bain & Company, GenZero, Google, Standard Chartered, and Temasek projects that a full green transition across the region — involving bioeconomy, grid modernization, clean energy, EV ecosystems, etc. could unlock up to US$ 120 billion in economic value and generate ~900,000 jobs by 2030, if supported with continued investment. The Padang & Co 2025 Landscape report is a practical tool to show where innovators can contribute immediately, where they can lead, and where collaboration must replace siloed efforts. Padang & Co calls on corporates, governments, investors, and ecosystem partners to use these findings to back the companies building the region’s green economy, remove barriers to deployment, and move from pilots to measurable impact. Discussing the report, Adam A. Lyle, Executive Chairman of Padang & Co, said “Southeast Asia’s green economy cannot advance through innovation alone; we must build the systems, partnerships, and regulatory environments that allow solutions to scale. This report highlights where cross-sector collaboration can create the biggest gains, and how emerging companies, from startups to scale-ups, are essential to transforming ideas into deployment at speed.” As Southeast Asia’s most advanced economy, Singapore leads the region in integrating green technologies into advanced manufacturing, industrial decarbonisation, carbon markets, anddigital innovation, setting the pace for scalable climate solutions.  Malaysia shows rising momentum in circularity and green industry, Indonesia is accelerating land-use and nature-based transformation, while Vietnam is rapidly driving industrial decarbonisation as it strengthens its role in global supply chains.  Some key insights include:  Singapore  ·         The report notes that Singapore is home to 494 green economy startups, 45% of all mapped startups in SEA-6. Singapore hosts over half of the region’s Built Environment (55%) and Climate Markets & Enablers (53%) startups. ·         Singapore’s opportunity landscape is shaped by the need to enhance system flexibility, decarbonise emissions-intensive industrial clusters, and improve the efficiency of fast-growing digital infrastructure.  ·         The report identifies five key innovation areas for Singapore: 1) Distributed Energy Resources, Virtual Power Plants, and demand response; 2) Jurong Island industrial and petrochemical decarbonisation; 3) Grid-interactive, low-carbon and high-density data centres; 4) Clean energy imports, regional grid interconnection, and vPPA enablement; 5) Maritime and aviation decarbonisation and biofuel feedstock innovation. ·         Limited land for renewables, rising data centre cooling loads, and the high concentration of industrial emissions on Jurong Island create strong demand for smarter orchestration tools, low-carbon imports, and resource-efficient technologies. Additional findings on other countries : The report was developed through a comprehensive analysis of startup and SME activity, regional policy and funding trends, and leading institutional reports from across the region.  Derrick Chiang, CEO of Padang & Co, added, “Our mission has always been to bring people and organisations together to drive innovation with purpose. The report shows that the strongest opportunities emerge when corporations, governments, and entrepreneurs work side by side. We hope this report serves as a practical guide for building collaborations that deliver measurable impact and long-term economic resilience for Southeast Asia.” As Southeast Asia navigates rising climate risk, rapid urbanisation, and increasing energy demand, the Green Economy Landscape 2025 provides a roadmap for enabling cross-sector collaboration, convening partners, and supporting climate-tech solutions that strengthen the region’s transition toward a regenerative, low-carbon, and green economy. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3438/the-indonesian-chamber-of-commerce-and-industry-kadin-and-the-ministry-of-creative-economy-kemenekraf-signed-an-mou-projecting-the-creative-economy-to-become-a-new-growth-engine.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3438/the-indonesian-chamber-of-commerce-and-industry-kadin-and-the-ministry-of-creative-economy-kemenekraf-signed-an-mou-projecting-the-creative-economy-to-become-a-new-growth-engine.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:45:00 +0530 Developing creative industry opportunities, strengthening networks in the business world, as well as encouraging the realization of added value and concrete collaboration The Ministry of Creative Economy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for the development of Indonesia's creative economy sector, which is expected to benefit creative economy players and growth. "There will be a lot of collaboration between the Creative Economy and Kadin for 2026. So this understanding includes developing creative industry opportunities, strengthening networks in the business world, as well as encouraging the realization of added value and concrete collaboration that provides direct benefits for business players and growth," said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya at the 2025 Indonesian Kadin National Leadership Meeting in Jakarta, Sunday. Riefky said the MoU signed with Kadin Indonesia includes providing a training platform and competency certification for creative talents, opening access to domestic and global markets, collaboration in safe and inclusive transformation, strengthening the IP commercialization ecosystem through incubation and investor access and strengthening the supply chain in the creative economy sector. Riefky said this collaboration also supports eight national creative economy developer clusters, including Ekraf Data related to strengthening creative economy data in each district through regional Kadin data. In addition, Wise Creative Economy is for strengthening the Creative Economy Agency's institutions which currently reach 22 provinces and 75 regencies/cities, Creative Economy Talent for development and training to increase income, Creative Economy Infra to activate creative hubs in special economic zones, Creative Economy Kaya for intellectual property assistance. Furthermore, Creative Economy Funds provide financing and assistance for creative economy actors to obtain credit, Creative Economy Market, and Creative Economy Synergy, namely collaboration with various parties that can be useful for downstreaming to associations. "So actually, if we look at the MOU, we can enter any cluster, I think almost all of our clusters can be implemented together with Kadin," said Riefky. Riefky said that Indonesia's creative ecosystem is currently heading towards development 5.0, where in this era a three-element approach is needed that is aligned. Among them are People, as the foundation of Indonesia's creative talent, IP or Indonesia's creative wealth as a future economic resource and Impact or impact as added economic, social, and technological value. From the signing of this MoU, the Ministry of Creative Economy targets investment, export value, increased workforce and increased growth value for 2026 by conducting business forums, including mentoring creative economy activists who are prepared or ready to enter the global market. In addition, Indonesia will also host the World Conference on Creative Economy 2026 and is expected to support the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to make Indonesia play an active role as part of the world's creative economy map. "Then also related to investment schemes, later we ask for support and input, we have conveyed this in front of the President that we will request or discuss with the Minister of Finance regarding incentives to increase investment in the film, game, and application sectors. Likewise, exports, there are also export schemes for fashion, culinary, crafts, and publishing and several other programs," he said. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie said this MoU can develop the creative industry and follow up on existing assets including increasing Intellectual Property (IP). "Well, I think this is what it means if Indonesia can stand on its own two feet, have its own content and IP. Even with the President's growing regional diplomatic efforts, whether in ASEAN, APEC, or the G20, we can all promote this together," he said. Anindya also said that the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is ready to support job creation and the creative industry through mutual cooperation between the government and entrepreneurs to elevate Indonesia's creative economy ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3404/golden-agri-resources-gar-launches-mtk-seed-to-strengthen-climate-resilience-in-indonesias-palm-oil-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3404/golden-agri-resources-gar-launches-mtk-seed-to-strengthen-climate-resilience-in-indonesias-palm-oil-sector.html Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:33:07 +0530 GAR’s innovation arm, the SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI), MTK seeds are designed to protect productivity during drought periods Dami Mas, the seed division of leading agribusiness Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), has launched DxP Dami Mas MTK (Moderate Toleran Kekeringan), a major milestone in efforts to build a climate-resilient palm oil industry. MTK is the first oil palm seed to have its superior performance under drought conditions validated and approved for sale by Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture. Developed over more than a decade by GAR’s innovation arm, the SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI), MTK seeds are designed to protect productivity during drought periods, a growing global challenge for palm oil producers. Addressing a US$4.5 Billion Challenge Drought conditions caused by climate change are becoming more frequent, more prolonged, and more extreme, causing lower yields and declining oil quality. For every 100mm of water deficit, where an oil palm’s demand for water exceeds available supply, yield can decline by 8-10%, resulting in income loss for farmers and productivity challenges for downstream processors. SMARTRI models estimate that these drought-related productivity losses cost Indonesia’s palm oil industry over US$4.5 billion on average each year. In high-risk regions such as Lampung, dry conditions can reduce yield by up to 21%. DxP Dami Mas MTK has been bred to address this challenge. In extensive field trials, MTK seeds demonstrated at least 12% higher yields than standard varieties in drought conditions. These performance differences increase as conditions become more extreme. MTK seeds performed over 25% better than standard varieties during prolonged dry periods caused by El Niño in 2015 and the Indian Ocean Dipole in 2018. “Climate change is no longer a distant risk for palm oil producers; it’s a reality they can see in the field and on their balance sheet,” said Dr. Jean-Pierre Caliman, Director of SMARTRI, who has led over a decade of research into the impact of climate conditions on palm productivity. “Commercial approval for the MTK seeds is recognition that there is a science-backed solution that can help to protect productivity and build a climate-resilient palm oil sector.” While many seed varieties demonstrate some degree of resilience in dry conditions, DxP Dami Mas MTK are the first seed varieties to have their performance under water deficit conditions validated through extensive field trials and independently verified by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture’s scientific review panel. Advancing Agricultural Innovation The MTK breeding programme refined the best characteristics from over 1,800 mother palms, analysing the performance of over 40,000 seedlings to identify candidates with the best  performance under artificial drought conditions. SMARTRI scientists implemented High Throughput Phenotypic Screening technology to measure the drought factor index (DFI) for each plant – a set of variables that determine a plant’s performance under water stress. From the 14 seed families selected as candidates for drought tolerance, two seeds – MTK 1 and MTK 2 – were validated as the successful seed varieties following field trials in South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and North Sumatra. A Step Forward for Sustainable Agriculture “We work closely with growers and smallholder farmers to understand their needs,” said Suryanto Bun, CEO of Dami Mas. “These climate-resilient seeds build on our existing higher-yielding and disease-resistant varieties to offer more innovations that can help growers protect their productivity and incomes against climate change.” Dami Mas is now accepting interest from buyers in Indonesia, with the first seeds due to deliver in early 2026. MTK seeds will be progressively made available to more customers as Dami Mas accelerates its breeding programme. Recognising the growing global impact of drought on agriculture, the company also sees applications for palm growers in West Africa, Latin America and India. The launch of DxP Dami Mas MTK supports GAR’s commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture. By equipping farmers with climate-resilient seeds, the company aims to strengthen food security, protect livelihoods, and contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity. “This seed represents the future of oil palm cultivation,” concluded Dr. Caliman. “By combining scientific research with our agronomy experience, we hope to bring innovation into the hands of farmers to create a more resilient, productive, and sustainable palm oil industry.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3397/pupuk-indonesia-builds-indonesias-first-soda-ash-factory-to-aid-national-fertilizer-industrial-goals.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3397/pupuk-indonesia-builds-indonesias-first-soda-ash-factory-to-aid-national-fertilizer-industrial-goals.html Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:17:27 +0530 New chapter in the long journey of the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry Pupuk Indonesia Group, through its subsidiaries, PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) and PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind), officially started construction on the first soda ash factory in Indonesia. The start of factory construction was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony and the installation of the first pile, which took place in the Kaltim Industrial Estate (KIE) area in Bontang, East Kalimantan. The event was attended by the Senior Director of Business Performance & Asset Optimization of Danantara Asset Management, Bhimo Aryanto, along with the board of directors and commissioners of Pupuk Indonesia and Pupuk Kaltim, as well as representatives of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the City of Bontang. Pupuk Indonesia President & Director Rahmad Pribadi stated that this development marks a new chapter in the long journey of the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry, which has evolved since the establishment of the first factory in 1959. It also represents an important step toward downstreaming the strategic chemical industry and achieving a sustainable transformation with low emissions. Rahmad stated that the construction of this factory, along with Pupuk Indonesia Group's commitment to strengthening downstream industries and fostering national industrial independence, aligns with the Asta Cita vision of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. By utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a by-product of the existing ammonia production facility, this factory will produce high-value-added chemical products, namely soda ash, which is essential for various national industrial sectors, including glass, detergent, food, pulp and paper, ceramics, and more. When fully operational, the plant will have a production capacity of 300,000 metric tons per year and is estimated to meet around 30% of the national soda ash needs, which have so far been dependent on imports. By reducing this dependence, the Pupuk Kaltim soda ash plant has the potential to save foreign exchange of up to IDR 1 trillion per year from soda ash import substitution, as well as around IDR 250 billion per year from ammonium chloride import substitution, which is a byproduct of the soda ash production process. Gusrizal, President & Managing Director of Pupuk Kaltim, added that the construction of the soda ash plant aligns with the government's policy direction in the Asta Cita vision and plays a crucial role in supporting downstream industries and the independence of the national chemical industry. He also stated that this project reflects Pupuk Kaltim's business transformation and diversification strategy, aiming for a broader, more efficient chemical business portfolio in line with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. "This project is part of Pupuk Kaltim’s commitment to implementing ESG principles and a circular economy, where CO₂ emissions from the existing plant are reused as the main raw material for soda ash production. We will ensure that the entire construction process is carried out with the highest safety and quality standards, as a manifestation of our responsibility to provide an efficient, safe, and competitive industry," said Gusrizal. The soda ash plant plays a crucial role in supporting the 2060 Net Zero Emission (NZE) agenda, as it is projected to absorb approximately 174,000 tons of CO₂ annually from existing facilities to be used as the primary raw material for soda ash production. Through the application of circular economy principles, these emissions are processed into value-added products that strengthen the supply chains of various domestic industries. Furthermore, the by-product of soda ash production, ammonium chloride, can also be utilized as a fertilizer from raw materials, which is essential for supporting food self-sufficiency. In addition to contributing to the transition to a low-carbon industry, the construction of the soda ash plant is also expected to have a broad economic impact, both at the regional and national levels. The construction of the soda ash plant is expected to absorb labor in the construction and operational processes; involve local industries in the procurement of soda ash raw materials, such as industrial salt; and encourage the empowerment of local MSMEs around the industrial area. Bhimo Aryanto, Senior Director of Business Performance & Asset Optimization at Danantara Asset Management, expressed Danantara’s support for the construction of the soda ash plant. He believes this project is not merely a business investment but also an investment in the nation’s future, in line with the spirit of economic transformation toward Indonesia's Emas 2045. “Pupuk Indonesia Group continues to innovate in developing efficient, low – emission, and sustainable industries. This project not only creates an industry but also optimizes existing resources and significantly reduces industrial waste. We want this plant to become a new benchmark for Indonesia’s green chemical industry” said Bhimo. For Pupuk Indonesia Group, the construction of the soda ash plant represents concrete support for national industrial resilience and food security, both of which are crucial pillars of the nation’s economic sovereignty. With a spirit of innovation and downstream development, Pupuk Indonesia Group is committed to continuously strengthening national competitiveness through sustainable and future-oriented industrial development. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3299/u-s-soy-strengthens-southeast-asia-trade-ties-focusing-on-resilient-supply-chains-global-trade-and-long-term-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3299/u-s-soy-strengthens-southeast-asia-trade-ties-focusing-on-resilient-supply-chains-global-trade-and-long-term-food-security.html Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:13:15 +0530 The conference highlighted collaboration in agriculture under the theme ‘Partners in Agriculture: Enabling Trade Today, Unlocking Tomorrow.’ More than 400 agricultural leaders and stakeholders from over 20 countries gathered in Jakarta, for the S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference. Co-organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and held under the theme "Enabling Trade Today, Unlocking Tomorrow," the event underscored shared goals in strengthening global trade, building resilient supply chains, and ensuring long-term food security. The three-day event featured business-to-business networking, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and expert sessions on key topics including logistics, market access, regulatory trends, and sustainability across the agricultural value chain. Delegates explored opportunities to enhance trade in U.S. soybeans, corn, and co-products to support Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving food and feed sectors. Southeast Asia and Indonesia: Strategic Partners for U.S. Soy Southeast Asia remains a vital and fast-growing destination for U.S. agricultural exports. In Marketing Year 2023/24, the region imported approximately 9.08 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 20.89 MMT of soybean meal[1], reflecting strong demand from both the food and feed sectors. "Southeast Asia continues to be a key region of growth for U.S. Soy, driven by rising demand, a growing middle class, and expanding protein consumption," said Timothy Loh, USSEC Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Oceania. "Through long-standing partnerships and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, we're delivering value to the region and helping build a more secure, resilient future together." Within the region, Indonesia stands out as Southeast Asia's largest importer of U.S. soybeans for food use, underscoring its strategic importance to U.S. producers. Strong consumer demand and a cultural preference for traditional soy-based foods like tempe and tofu continue to drive soybean imports, while the country's rising protein needs are unlocking new opportunities for U.S. soybean meal in the feed sector. Advancing Shared Priorities The conference spotlighted how long-term collaboration between U.S. Soy producers and Southeast Asian partners helps ensure supply reliability, strengthens market access, and unlocks mutual value. Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the importance of transparency, trust, and innovation in navigating an increasingly complex global trade environment. In a leadership dialogue, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter and USSEC Chair Janna Fritz discussed how data, technology, and farmer-led innovation are shaping the future of agriculture. They emphasized the unique strengths of U.S. Soy: its lowest carbon footprint, superior sustainability and the dedication of multi-generational U.S. farmers to quality and long-term supply. Both leaders highlighted the value of close engagement with customers to better understand evolving market needs. Across multiple sessions, speakers also underscored the region's rising demand for high-quality protein and the growing importance of secure, sustainable supply chains to meet that demand. Food safety, traceability, and consistent product quality were noted as top priorities for Southeast Asian buyers and consumers. Strengthening Partnerships for the FutureThe conference reaffirmed the value of strong, collaborative partnerships across the agricultural supply chain. By bringing together U.S. producers, exporters, buyers, feed millers, processors, and government leaders, the event provided a timely platform to shape a more resilient, sustainable future for global agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3244/indonesia-promotes-biochar-as-a-solution-to-agricultural-land-degradation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3244/indonesia-promotes-biochar-as-a-solution-to-agricultural-land-degradation.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:33:23 +0530 Restoring damaged agricultural land and ensuring long-term soil sustainability The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is urging the widespread adoption of biochar technology as a strategic solution to combat the country’s worsening agricultural land degradation crisis. Devi Erna Rachmawati, Vice Chair of Kadin Indonesia for Agriculture, emphasized that biochar is essential for restoring damaged agricultural land and ensuring long-term soil sustainability. "Right now, Indonesia is in urgent need of biochar technology. More than 60% of our agricultural land is degraded and no longer healthy. Biochar offers a practical solution, and the raw materials are abundant across Indonesia," Devi said during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled "Biochar for Soil Improvement: Sustainable Innovation to Build the Future of Agriculture", held at Kadin Tower, Jakarta recently. The discussion highlighted three main themes: The role of biochar as a future-oriented agricultural technology; The application of microbial and humus-based soil treatments; The implementation prospects and challenges of biochar usage in Indonesia. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials such as wood, straw, or leaves. It is known to improve soil fertility by enhancing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Additionally, biochar helps sequester carbon in the soil, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Kadin plans to formally recommend the adoption of biochar to key government stakeholders. “We will send a recommendation letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, the House of Representatives (DPR), and other relevant policymakers. Biochar cannot work in isolation; it requires synergy with fertilizers and microbial technology to successfully restore degraded land,” Devi explained. She iterated that, Indonesia must urgently address land degradation to achieve its food security goals. Restoring the soil is the top priority, as improved land productivity will drive economic benefits, particularly for farmers. To support this agenda, Kadin Indonesia has established a research and development site in Lebak, Banten, spanning 180 hectares. The facility is open for collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and private sector stakeholders. Echoing Devi's remarks, Dedi Nursyamsi, Senior Expert at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the crucial role of biochar in promoting productive and sustainable farming. According to research, biochar can enhance soil productivity, rehabilitate contaminated land, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. "Biochar is a game-changer. It serves as a habitat for beneficial microbes, improves soil aeration, water retention, nutrient availability, and helps remediate soils contaminated with pesticides or heavy metals," Dedi explained. He also pointed out that biochar holds great potential in the emerging carbon trading market, offering both environmental and economic value. One such innovation is Biotron, a 3-in-1 biochar formula developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, enriched with microbes and liquid organic fertilizer. Indonesia is actively promoting Biotron to farmers in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java, with plans to scale up the initiative through industry collaboration. However, Dedi noted that the supply of biochar is still limited, calling for greater support from the business sector. Etty Pratiwi, Researcher at BRIN, highlighted the potential to utilize agricultural waste as raw materials for biochar production. “There are agricultural waste hotspots in various regions that can be harnessed through farmer education and community engagement programs,” she said. Etty stressed the need for an integrated approach, combining biochar with organic fertilizers and microbial treatments to tackle critical land degradation issues caused by soil quality decline and climate change. Maria Wahono, CEO of PT Bhetochar Energi Nusantara, discussed the untapped potential of Indonesia's biomass waste, which produces millions of tonnes annually. “Through pyrolysis technology, this waste can be transformed into high-value biochar that lasts in the soil for centuries and contributes to long-term carbon sequestration,” she said. Biochar, Maria noted, is also effective for post-mining land rehabilitation and contaminated soil remediation. However, the growth of this industry depends on an enabling ecosystem, including product standardization, production infrastructure, and market education. Yuventius Nicky, Director of R&D at PT Bhetochar Energi Nusantara, highlighted the significant economic potential of biochar, noting that it directly benefits farmers by utilizing raw materials sourced from them and increasing yields once degraded lands become productive. He pointed out that addressing Indonesia's 12.7 million hectares of critical land requires collaboration beyond individual companies, emphasizing the need to work with fertilizer producers and microbiologists. Nicky also stressed the importance of raising farmer awareness and establishing demonstration plots, as farmers are more likely to adopt new technologies when they see tangible results.IPJ. Arnawa from PT Nex Bio Tech International emphasized that biochar can gain widespread acceptance if properly introduced and explained, stating, "It all depends on how we educate and socialize the concept." His company has partnered with Kadin to launch the Next Bio Academy, a hybrid educational platform designed to reshape farmers' perceptions by highlighting the importance of soil health, the consequences of degraded land, and the potential of biochar and advanced technologies. Arnawa also introduced nano-technology-based solutions that deliver nutrients directly through plant stems or leaf pores, bypassing the soil entirely. He concluded, "Practical innovations like this can shift the perception that organic farming is expensive. Over time, farmers will see that it's actually more cost-effective and leads to better yields." The FGD, organized by Kadin Indonesia in collaboration with PT Bhetochar Energi Nusantara and PT Nex Bio, attracted over 100 participants, including business players, researchers, and agricultural experts, attending both in-person and online. The event served as a platform for sharing concrete solutions to the complex challenges facing Indonesia’s agricultural sector. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3239/indonesia-and-brazil-forge-economic-cooperation-in-energy-transition-and-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3239/indonesia-and-brazil-forge-economic-cooperation-in-energy-transition-and-agriculture.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:45:26 +0530 Focuses on bilateral trade cooperation with several potential export commodities beyond palm oil and coconut oil, including machinery and other manufactured goods The Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, met Ambassador of Brazil to Indonesia, George Monteiro Prata, at The Convergence Indonesia, Rasuna Epicentrum, and discussed the growing economic ties between Indonesia and Brazil, with a particular focus on collaboration in energy transition and agriculture. President Prabowo Subianto met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his recent state visit to Brazil in July. Anindya emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, noting that both countries have significant potential to expand partnerships in critical sectors. He added that several strategic topics were discussed during the meeting, including biofuel-based energy transition and agricultural development. According to Anin, Brazil’s advanced agricultural sector offers valuable insights and opportunities for Indonesia. “We talked about energy transition, and also about agriculture a sector in which Brazil is highly advanced. They’re even focusing their energy transition efforts on biofuels. In general, the relationship between Brazil and Indonesia is very good, and we believe there’s room to strengthen it even further,” Anin added. On the issue of the Indonesia–Brazil trade balance, which currently remains in deficit, Anin emphasized the need to explore new sectors to create a more balanced trade relationship. “What matters most is ensuring trade continues to grow. As more sectors are developed, trade will become more balanced. We need to work hard to create export products with added value that are in demand in Brazil,” he said. Anin highlighted several potential export commodities beyond palm oil and coconut oil, such as machinery and other manufactured goods. “There are many product categories with export potential from machinery to various manufactured products that we can develop more strategically,” Anin added. Meanwhile, Ambassador George Monteiro Prata underlined the importance of strengthening the economic ties and deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. “There are huge business opportunities between Brazil and Indonesia, and we want to tap into them. We also see President Lula's upcoming visit to Indonesia as a key moment. That’s one of the reasons I came today to thank Kadin for receiving me and to explore what we can do together to enhance business relations between Brazil and Indonesia,” concluded Ambassador George. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3234/taiwan-indonesia-policy-and-food-security-dialogues-strengthen-agricultural-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3234/taiwan-indonesia-policy-and-food-security-dialogues-strengthen-agricultural-cooperation.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:33:05 +0530 Preliminary agreements were reached to expand market access for agricultural products and strengthen trade cooperation. Taiwan and Indonesia recently concluded the 5th Taiwan-Indonesia Agricultural Cooperation Consultation Meeting in Taipei, reinforcing their agricultural partnership under the 2016 Taiwan-Indonesia Agricultural Cooperation Agreement. The meeting focused on agricultural policy, market access, and broader cooperation, with a particular emphasis on addressing food security challenges intensified by climate change. Both nations agreed to enhance agricultural resilience through technological collaboration and talent development, aiming to ensure stable food supplies. An Indonesian agricultural delegation toured food industry operations in Changhua and Yilan from August 29 to 30, gaining insights into Taiwan's agricultural practices. They also met with young Indonesian farmers interning in Taiwan, highlighting the tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation. Indonesia is a key partner under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which seeks to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations. Since the signing of the agricultural cooperation agreement, the two countries have collaborated to promote agricultural technology, talent exchanges, and industry development. The latest meeting is expected to strengthen future agricultural ties between Taiwan and Indonesia, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3220/terra-drone-signs-internal-agricultural-drone-sales-partnership-with-yanmar-diesel-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3220/terra-drone-signs-internal-agricultural-drone-sales-partnership-with-yanmar-diesel-indonesia.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:15:51 +0530 G20 and E16 drones helps farmers reduce costs, save resources, and increase yields. Terra Drone Corporation, a Japanese drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company, signed a sales partnership agreement with PT Yanmar Diesel Indonesia, a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. The agreement signing took place at Yanmar Diesel Indonesia's headquarters and was attended by executives from both companies. Local implementation will be carried out through Terra Drone Indonesia and Terra Agri , a drone-based agriculture brand focused on Indonesia. As a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer, Yanmar has an extensive network in Indonesia that includes local farmers and various agricultural stakeholders. Through this network, Terra Drone is optimistic that the adoption of agricultural drones can be accelerated, thus supporting the government's program to increase the efficiency of rice and food crop cultivation. Collaboration comes amidst major challenges still facing the national agricultural sector. Around 30% of Indonesia's population works in the agricultural sector, contributing more than 10% to the national GDP. However, this sector is vulnerable to pest attacks, crop losses, and labor shortages. Manual land management often results in uneven fertilizer and pesticide application, increasing costs and decreasing productivity. To address these challenges, Terra Drone has long operated in Indonesia through Terra Drone Indonesia. In the agricultural sector, the company offers a specialized service called Terra Agri, which focuses on drone-based fertilizer and pesticide spraying, mapping, and land monitoring. Terra Agri operates not only in rice fields but also in oil palm plantations using spot spraying technology to control weeds, contributing to efficiency, workplace safety, increased productivity, and reduced deforestation risks. To date, Terra Agri has conducted flights over 200,000 hectares with up to 4,000 flights per day. The high-precision spraying technology used can help farmers save up to 30% on costs. More than 150 drones have been deployed to support operations in various regions of Indonesia. Under the latest agreement, Terra Drone has appointed Yanmar Diesel Indonesia as its official distribution partner to market its agricultural drones to relevant agricultural institutions, including rice farmers. The two flagship drone models to be marketed are the G20, with a 20 kg/20 L payload capacity suitable for large-scale rice fields, and the lighter and more portable E16 for smaller plots or areas with limited access. The G20 is capable of spraying not only liquid but also granular fertilizer, making it ideal for direct seeding rice fields and other food crop cultivation. A total of 120 drones are scheduled to be delivered to Yanmar Diesel Indonesia throughout 2025 for local distribution. For Terra Drone, this collaboration expands the reach of agricultural drone solutions through Yanmar's established network in Indonesia. For Yanmar, this partnership provides an opportunity to add drone technology to its agricultural product line for the first time. For farmers, this technology is expected to improve efficiency, productivity, and occupational safety in the rice farming sector. Furthermore, in May 2025, Terra Drone also signed an MoU with two Indonesian universities to support drone operator training and certification and the creation of new jobs in the technology-based agricultural sector. Going forward, Terra Drone and Yanmar Diesel Indonesia plan to develop a direct seeding drone. This technology allows seeds to be sown directly in rice fields without transplanting, with high accuracy thanks to Terra Drone's spot spraying technology. This research and development will be conducted in collaboration with local universities to accelerate drone-based agricultural innovation in Indonesia. With the support of Terra Drone Indonesia and Terra Agri, Terra Drone aims to accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture in Indonesia while supporting the realization of sustainable agriculture. The impact of this project on Terra Drone's consolidated financial performance for fiscal year 2025 is expected to be minimal. If there are material developments, the company will make further announcements. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3189/gt-rubber-thailand-joins-agritech-indonesia-to-map-farming-plots-to-ensure-traceability-and-risk-management.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3189/gt-rubber-thailand-joins-agritech-indonesia-to-map-farming-plots-to-ensure-traceability-and-risk-management.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:09:43 +0530 GT Rubber Company, in collaboration with KOLTIVA, maps 15,000 plots, identifies 4,500 farmers, creates a logging-free supply chain. Thailand, one of the world's leading natural rubber producers, is undergoing significant transformation as regulatory and market forces converge on traceability and sustainability. At the forefront of this shift is GT Rubber, a key industry player, which has partnered with agri-technology company Koltiva to implement a robust traceability and risk management system designed to comply with EU deforestation regulations. The aim is to implement a comprehensive traceability system that can capture, monitor, and track rubber production from smallholder plantations to export. Approximately 90% of the world's natural rubber is produced by smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia, many of whom do not operate within formal supply chains and have limited connections to processors and buyers (SPOTT, 2022). Hence, dispersion, aggregation, and traceability challenges hit most of these farmers. At a global level, Thailand leads with 34% of the natural rubber produced, followed by Indonesia (26%), Vietnam (8%), China (7%), and India (7%) Although the sector provides livelihoods for millions, its rapid expansion has led to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and land tenure disputes. Fragmented networks of intermediaries, such as traders and aggregators, increase opacity, making traceability and sustainability harder to enforce. Since 1993, more than 4 million hectares of forest have been cleared for rubber plantations, half since 2000, largely in ecologically sensitive areas, according to a study published in the journal Nature in 2023. However, rubber remains largely absent from global discussions about deforestation despite its significant environmental impact. The ability to trace the source of supply to the farm will determine which exporters continue to have access to premium global markets. Data-driven infrastructure at the farm level:GT Rubber is advancing traceability and risk management by deploying a digital system from Indonesian agritech company Koltiva that verifies land legality, assesses deforestation risk, and links farm-level data to sourcing transactions. This granular dataset forms the backbone of GT Rubber’s compliance framework, enabling real-time monitoring and risk flagging. This system prepares the company for seamless integration with the upcoming European Union Information System (EUIS). This requires disclosure of detailed geographic location and verification of status. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3184/seg-solar-and-pt-atw-to-empower-indonesias-green-energy-future.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3184/seg-solar-and-pt-atw-to-empower-indonesias-green-energy-future.html Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:45:10 +0530 Sign exclusive distribution agreement to accelerate solar PV deployment in Indonesia SEG Solar Inc., a leading U.S.-headquartered, Tier 1 solar module manufacturer, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with PT ATW Modul Manufaktur (AMM) to market and sell SEG-branded solar modules and cells across Indonesia. The partnership signifies a major milestone in Indonesia's journey toward clean energy, also marks a significant step in SEG's strategic expansion into Indonesia and Southeast Asia. With SEG Solar's proven global track record and AMM's market reach, the collaboration aims to deliver high-quality, locally-manufactured solar solutions to serve domestic utility-scale and cross-border projects requiring TKDN-certified products. "With Phase 1 of our Batang manufacturing facility—featuring 2GW of operating capacity—now completed, SEG Solar is proud to enter Phase 2 of our investment and localization strategy in Indonesia," said Jun Zhuge, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of SEG Solar. "Our partnership with AMM strengthens our commitment to enabling reliable, U.S.-branded solar solutions in one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic energy markets." "This exclusive agreement reflects our shared vision to support Indonesia's energy transition with trusted technology and local capabilities," said Joseph Juan, President Director of PT ATW Modul Manufaktur. "Together, we aim to empower Indonesia's green energy future with U.S. solar PV modules made right here in Batang." The signing ceremony, held at the Batang facility in Central Java, marks the formal launch of SEG Solar's commercial operations in Indonesia and the start of an ambitious rollout to accelerate solar PV deployment in the region. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3180/adb-president-highlights-innovation-and-support-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-energy-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3180/adb-president-highlights-innovation-and-support-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-energy-in-indonesia.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:43:16 +0530 ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia ADB President Calls for Innovation to Drive Inclusive Growth in Southeast Asia Jakarta, Indonesia – Asian Development Bank (ADB). President Masato Kanda emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia during his keynote address at the 9th Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum ASEAN–Japan Conference in Jakarta. Highlighting ASEAN’s extraordinary potential, Mr. Kanda stated, “Countries that innovate are countries that thrive. By connecting ideas with resources and leveraging platforms like the STS Forum, we can create opportunities that reach every community.” He stressed the need to prioritize innovation in regional strategies to address pressing challenges and unlock opportunities for inclusive prosperity. Mr. Kanda outlined three key areas of focus: modern, interconnected energy systems; resilient food systems; and smart, inclusive cities. He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to providing up to $10 billion over the next decade to support the ASEAN Power Grid and $40 billion by 2030 for food systems transformation. These investments aim to enhance regional energy security, improve food and water security, and promote sustainable urban development. The ADB President also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, increased investment in research and development, and partnerships with the private sector to close technology gaps. He highlighted the need for innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to address complex challenges and advance sustainable growth across the region. During his visit to Indonesia, Mr. Kanda toured ADB-supported projects in Lombok, showcasing the bank’s commitment to practical solutions for regional challenges. These included an irrigation initiative led by women-led water user associations, which aims to enhance food and water security, and a solar farm developed by Vena Energy, a leading renewable energy producer. These projects underscore ADB’s support for Indonesia’s energy transition and private sector investment. ADB, founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members—50 from the region—continues to play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. By harnessing innovative financial tools and forming strategic partnerships, ADB remains dedicated to transforming lives, building quality infrastructure, and safeguarding the planet. As Mr. Kanda concluded, “Innovation must remain central to our strategies. Together, we can create a future where every community benefits from sustainable and inclusive growth.” This renewed focus on innovation aligns with ADB’s broader mission to address the region’s most pressing challenges, from energy security to food systems transformation, while promoting resilience and sustainability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3174/indonesia-netherlands-strengthen-partnership-in-greenhouse-based-horticulture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3174/indonesia-netherlands-strengthen-partnership-in-greenhouse-based-horticulture.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:06:24 +0530 Strengthen agricultural ties to boost food security and sustainability Indonesia and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at advancing greenhouse-based horticulture to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The collaboration was formalized during a meeting between Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono and Dutch Deputy Director-General for Agro Guido Landheer in Jakarta. The partnership builds on Indonesia’s goal to accelerate horticultural productivity and food self-sufficiency by leveraging Dutch expertise in agriculture. Sudaryono highlighted the Netherlands’ success in becoming the second-largest agricultural exporter globally, despite having only four million hectares of land, through innovation, technology, and efficiency. “We need to learn a lot from the Dutch, who have centuries of experience in developing agriculture, especially in horticulture, greenhouses, seeds, and irrigation,” Sudaryono stated during a press conference. The two nations agreed to cooperate through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by their respective agriculture ministers. The MoU focuses on promoting modern and sustainable horticultural production through technology application and knowledge sharing. Sudaryono emphasized the importance of involving younger generations in modern farming practices, particularly greenhouse technology, to ensure the regeneration of Indonesia’s farming community. While acknowledging the higher upfront investment required for greenhouse farming compared to traditional methods, he noted its long-term benefits, including increased productivity and cost efficiency. “We need more young Indonesians to get involved in horticulture using greenhouse technology,” he said, calling for innovation-driven youth participation. The Dutch delegation, which included representatives from greenhouse companies, seed suppliers, and technical providers, expressed their support for Indonesia’s agricultural development. Landheer clarified that the collaboration is not intended to increase Dutch exports to Indonesia but to strengthen Indonesia’s domestic production capacity through shared knowledge and experience. Recently, Dutch companies had shown interest in contributing to Indonesia’s agriculture sector but faced challenges that are now being addressed to support investment and benefit local farmers. Sudaryono assured full support for initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the people, the country, and farmers through efficient and collaborative efforts. This partnership reflects Indonesia’s commitment to adopting innovative agricultural practices to bolster food security and sustainability. By working closely with the Netherlands, Indonesia aims to modernize its horticultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and businesses in both nations. The collaboration underscores the shared vision of both countries to address global food security challenges through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3175/pupuk-indonesia-and-petronas-chemicals-strengthen-strategic-synergy-for-food-security-and-industrial-downstreaming.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3175/pupuk-indonesia-and-petronas-chemicals-strengthen-strategic-synergy-for-food-security-and-industrial-downstreaming.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:14:09 +0530 Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Growth in Fertilizer and Petrochemical Industries PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) and PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) strengthened their strategic partnership by signing a follow-up memorandum of understanding (MoU) that opens up opportunities for broader collaboration in supporting national and regional food security, as well as encouraging the downstreaming of the fertilizer and petrochemical industry in Indonesia. This collaboration includes exploring potential synergies in urea and ammonia supply, transferring technical and operational knowledge, and strengthening corporate governance in the areas of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). This collaboration is expected to be a catalyst for strengthening the national fertilizer and petrochemical industry, making it more sustainable and efficient, and capable of meeting regional food needs. At the same time, it ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.This collaboration also demonstrates Pupuk Indonesia's commitment to supporting regional food security by strengthening the fertilizer supply chain in Southeast Asia." This collaboration expands the scope for synergy, encompassing not only product supply but also capacity development, technology transfer, and exploration of downstream projects. This is a strategic step to strengthen the downstreaming of the national industry and improve the operational reliability of fertilizer factories," said Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi at the signing ceremony for the continuation of the collaboration in Jakarta. In addition, the two companies also agreed to a Joint Feasibility Study Agreement for the development of methanol plant technology to strengthen the downstream petrochemical industry in Indonesia. Methanol itself is a high-value commodity with a large market and is a strategic part of Pupuk Indonesia's sustainable expansion and diversification of its non-fertilizer business. Domestic methanol development is expected to reduce dependence on imports and promote national energy independence.Furthermore, this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen Pupuk Indonesia's competitiveness as a major player in the fertilizer and petrochemical industry in Southeast Asia. By establishing this collaboration, Pupuk Indonesia has the potential to expand its partnership network to address increasingly complex industry challenges.  This collaboration also includes technology transfer, exchange of technical knowledge, and collaboration in the field of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) which will strengthen the operational reliability of both companies." This strategic partnership is concrete evidence of our commitment to continuing to build an efficient, competitive, and sustainable national fertilizer industry. We believe this collaboration will strengthen Indonesia's position in facing global challenges while simultaneously achieving stronger regional food security," Rahmad concluded. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3160/australia-strengthens-trade-ties-with-indonesia-boosting-biosecurity-cooperation-and-unlocking-export-opportunities.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3160/australia-strengthens-trade-ties-with-indonesia-boosting-biosecurity-cooperation-and-unlocking-export-opportunities.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:32:02 +0530 Australia and Indonesia's agriculture trade valued at $5.5 billion in 2023-2024 Australia continues to strengthen two-way agricultural trade with Indonesia, with a visit to Jakarta this by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, unlocking new export opportunities and solidifying biosecurity cooperation. Building on the productive discussions during the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia in May, Minister Collins met with her ministerial counterparts to finalise a number of key outcomes with the Indonesian Government, including:   Agreement to a wheat protocol, which will maintain access for Australia’s largest export to Indonesia (worth $1.76 billion in FY23-24) while continuing to provide assurance to Indonesia on Australia’s high biosecurity standards, Signing a bilateral protocol that allows exports of Australian-rendered products to Indonesia – trade previously estimated to be worth more than $100 million annually for Australian producers and exporters, Agreement on a mangosteen operational workplan, giving a new export pathway for Indonesian fruit while ensuring management of biosecurity risks, Signing a Memorandum of Understanding on biosecurity cooperation activities with the Indonesian Quarantine Authority, and Re-establishing a bilateral Forestry Working Group with the newly created Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.   These outcomes are a major boost for Australian and Indonesian farmers and producers, supporting future growth in two-way agricultural trade, which was valued at $5.5 billion in 2023-2024. During the three-day visit, Minister Collins also toured agricultural production sites and participated in a range of trade events, reaffirming the economic opportunities that come with strengthened cooperation. This trip was part of the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing work to strengthen agricultural trade with international partners after a decade of neglect under the Coalition, and to reaffirm the safety and reliability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, “Australia’ and Indonesia's Ministerial counterparts finalised a number of two-way agricultural trade and biosecurity agreements.  These agreements will ensure more of our world-class products are on Indonesian tables and will unlock significant benefits for farmers and producers in both of our nations. The quality, safety and reliability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are valued by our friends in Indonesia, and it’s great to see how our products support Indonesia’s food security" ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3147/smallholder-oil-palm-farmers-in-aceh-subulussalam-indonesia-are-empowered-through-stakeholder-partnerships.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3147/smallholder-oil-palm-farmers-in-aceh-subulussalam-indonesia-are-empowered-through-stakeholder-partnerships.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:01:13 +0530 Musim Mas, Nestlé and AAK renew their partnership to address environmental, social and economic concerns  Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK have renewed their partnership for the fourth consecutive year to continue supporting independent smallholder oil palm farmers in Aceh Subulussalam, Indonesia. This partnership, originally launched in 2021, focuses on the risks associated with deforestation and the broader environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by smallholders. The Subulussalam Smallholders Hub is at the heart of this collaboration. This landscape-based initiative by Musim Mas trains smallholder farmers and village extension officers (VEOs) in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) principles. VEOs act as local trainers and knowledge multipliers in their communities. Over the past three years, the program has exceeded expectations, training 1,581 smallholder farmers  (initial target: 1,250) and 117 VEOs  (initial target: 60). During the second phase, the 20 top-performing VEOs received advanced requalification on Indonesia's ISPO certification, including modules on home composting to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. With the 2025 partnership renewal, the initiative will directly train an additional 500 smallholder farmers and 20 additional VEOs through advanced training. This will allow the program to reach more than 2,000 smallholder farmers and 40 VEOs with advanced skills . Beyond environmental outcomes, the partnership aims to strengthen the long-term resilience of communities. Musim Mas plans to introduce new advanced training modules for its programs on women smallholder farmers , youth engagement , and financial literacy . Women will continue to receive support in nutrition and business management, while striving to involve male family members to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Recognizing the importance of engaging the next generation, the program will include youth awareness raising on sustainable agriculture, NDPE practices, and market expectations. Tailored capacity-building platforms will be developed to inspire innovation and engagement among young farmers. The initiative also addresses the need for financial planning , especially as smallholders prepare for palm replanting cycles. Financial management training will enable them to make informed decisions and ensure their long-term self-reliance. Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK reaffirm their shared vision for sustainable and inclusive palm oil production in Aceh . With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EDR) coming into force soon, the partnership also provides a critical support mechanism to help smallholders overcome compliance challenges and remain active participants in global supply chains. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3123/pupuk-indonesia-collaberates-with-a-japanese-firm-to-develop-hybrid-green-ammonia-in-aceh.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3123/pupuk-indonesia-collaberates-with-a-japanese-firm-to-develop-hybrid-green-ammonia-in-aceh.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0530 CCS and CCUS facilities with Pupuk Indonesia expected to support the government's plan to achieve the 2060 NZE target. Pupuk Indonesia has signed an MoU regarding the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to explore collaboration opportunities in the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) in PGE's Working Area, particularly at the Arun Gas Field in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, for producing blue ammonia. KEK was selected as a location for CCS and CCUS development because the region holds significant potential as a center of economic growth in Aceh, said Pupuk Indonesia President & Director Rahmad Pribadi at the signing ceremony in Jakarta, Pupuk Indonesia is collaborating with a Japanese company to develop hybrid green ammonia in Aceh. Rahmad revealed that his company is in negotiations to relocate the ammonia bunkering facility, originally planned for Singapore, to Aceh. "So, not only can we produce clean ammonia, but we can also make Aceh a global trade hub. We ask for your prayers and support," he said. MoU stands as a concrete manifestation of Pupuk Indonesia's support for the government's Asta Cita vision in achieving food self-sufficiency and building a green economy, while simultaneously pursuing the 2060 Zero Emissions (NZE) target. EMP President Director & CEO Syailendra S. Bakrie welcomed the start of explorations into a collaboration with Pupuk Indonesia for CO2 emission utilization and natural gas supply. He expressed his hope that the development of CCS and CCUS facilities with Pupuk Indonesia would support the government's plan to achieve the 2060 NZE target. "With the development of CCS and CCUS facilities in the PGE Working Area, we hope to support the government's plan to achieve the Net Zero Emission target by 2060. In the first quarter of this year, the PGE Working Area has produced around 45 million cubic feet of gas per day and 1,033 barrels of oil per day. The block also operates proven & probable reserves of 159 billion cubic feet of gas and 10.8 million barrels of oil," said Syailendra. Edoardus Ardianto, Deputy President Director & CFO of EMP, stated that EMP Gebang Limited is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry's raw material needs by ensuring gas supplies for Pupuk Indonesia. He emphasized that the company will accelerate production to meet Pupuk Indonesia's crucial gas needs. "From previous discussions, we understand that Pupuk Indonesia requires approximately 100 million cubic feet of gas per day to operate its factories. Gebang is expected to begin producing around 40 million cubic feet of gas per day in 2027. This production is expected to increase to 100 million cubic feet of gas per day by 2030. Pupuk Indonesia is one of the target markets for the gas produced by Gebang in the future," he said.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3120/pt-pupuk-indonesia-inks-mou-with-emp-to-strengthen-national-fertilizer-industry-and-support-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3120/pt-pupuk-indonesia-inks-mou-with-emp-to-strengthen-national-fertilizer-industry-and-support-food-security.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:21:21 +0530 Ensures fertilizer raw materials availability and accelerating the energy transition for the sustainability PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two subsidiaries of PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) Tbk. The signing of these two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) marks a significant step in ensuring the availability of fertilizer raw materials and accelerating the energy transition for the sustainability of the national fertilizer industry and supporting food security. "Through these two strategic MoUs, Pupuk Indonesia is not only strengthening the availability of raw materials but also becoming an enabler of the clean energy transition to achieve food self-sufficiency and a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable fertilizer industry," said Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi at the signing ceremony of the two MoUs in Jakarta. The first MoU was signed by Pupuk Indonesia with EMP Gebang Limited, the operator of the Gebang Working Area. Through this signing, Pupuk Indonesia and EMP Gebang Limited will conduct a study, evaluation, and exchange information on opportunities for collaboration to utilize natural gas supplies from the Gebang Working Area in North Sumatra. In the MoU, Pupuk Indonesia is exploring the possibility of utilizing EMP Gebang's gas, with an estimated daily delivery volume of approximately 100 BBTUD.Rahmad stated that the Gebang Working Area offers a potential long-term domestic gas supply that is highly relevant and aligned with the development or revitalization of fertilizer factories in North Sumatra. Gas supplies from the Gerbang Working Area are expected to support operations and the planned revitalization of PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM)'s factory. "Through this memorandum of understanding, we will receive gas supply support from one of EMP's blocks. So, God willing, with this additional capacity, we can do a lot at PIM, including revitalizing it," said Rahmad.Rahmad emphasized that the availability of gas, a primary raw material, is crucial in meeting national fertilizer needs. He added that PIM's planned factory revitalization also relies heavily on a secure gas supply to maintain operational sustainability, increase production capacity, and boost efficiency. Meanwhile, the second MoU was signed by Pupuk Indonesia with PT Pema Global Energi (PGE) regarding the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Pupuk Indonesia and Pema Global Energi will explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in PGE's Working Area, particularly in the Arun Gas Field in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, for blue ammonia production.Rahmad stated that the Arun Special Economic Zone (KEK) was chosen as the location for CCS and CCUS development because the region holds significant potential as a center of economic growth in Aceh. With this potential, he hopes Aceh will become a global hub for clean ammonia trade. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3112/rea-empowers-indonesias-smallholder-farmers-by-fostering-sustainable-palm-oil-production-value-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3112/rea-empowers-indonesias-smallholder-farmers-by-fostering-sustainable-palm-oil-production-value-chain.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:31:00 +0530 Over 600 Independent Smallholders in East Borneo supported with EUDR Compliance and RSPO Certification facilitated by Technical Assistance from KOLTIV PT REA KALTIM PLANTATIONS (REA), continues to advance its SHINES (SmallHolder INclusion for Ethical Sourcing) programme to improve the livelihood of smallholders through RSPO certification and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance. Launched in October 2024, SHINES brings together corporate partners to drive transformative changes and foster shared responsibility across the value chain. REA is a leading palm oil producer committed to sustainable, traceable, and inclusive production since 1991. A subsidiary of R.E.A. Holdings PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange, REA operates in Balikpapan and East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Their operations span oil palm plantations, palm oil mills, and kernel crushing plants, complemented by forest conservation efforts covering approximately 18,000 hectares. Through initiatives like the SHINES programme, REA aims to enhance RSPO-certified supply chain compliance, improve productivity, and secure long-term market access for smallholders, aligning with evolving international regulations such as the EUDR. "Smallholder inclusion is key to sustainable development,” said Bremen Yong, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of REA. “SHINES presents a strong business case that brings together stakeholders across the value chain to drive transformative change, improve livelihoods, and strengthen supply chain integrity," added Bremen. Through targeted interventions, REA ensures that producers comply with international regulations and gain improved access to economic opportunities. Smallholder cooperatives in Kutai Kartanegara, namely Koperasi Perkebunan Belayan Sejahtera, Gotong-Royong, Tunas Harapan, Bina Wana Sejahtera, and Karya Penoon are provided with training, technical support, and market incentives for those meeting EUDR requirements and industry standards, ensuring long-term compliance and market access. KOLTIVA Supports SHINES with Mapping and Traceability Expertise As part of the programme’s traceability and compliance component, REA engaged KOLTIVA, a Swiss-Indonesian agritech company, to provide technical support for polygon mapping, farm assessments, and the deployment of its traceability platform, KoltiTrace. This comprehensive solutions will facilitate more than 600 independent smallholders in ensuring full compliance with EUDR requirements. “KOLTIVA’s work with REA underscores our shared commitment to building a resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain. By integrating farm assessments, technological adaptation through KoltiTrace and training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), we are enabling producers to meet the evolving regulatory landscape while improving their long- term economic prospects,” said Manfred Borer, CEO of KOLTIVA. Its approach combines innovative digital solutions with on-the-ground interventions, ensuring that producers can seamlessly navigate the complexities of global sustainability standards. Related to this project, KOLTIVA is currently rolling out its KoltiTrace platform across 10 cooperatives in East Kalimantan, aiming to map and verify farm polygons. This digital traceability infrastructure provides the baseline for legal land verification and ongoing monitoring required under RSPO and EUDR standards. Indonesia’s smallholder readiness for EUDR remains limited. Roughly 41% of Indonesia’s oil palm plantations—around 6.7 million hectares—are managed by independent smallholders, yet studies show only 1% of these smallholders are “cleanly and clearly” certified, meaning they meet traceability and legality requirements aligned with the EUDR. Major obstacles include inadequate geolocation data, unclear land tenure, and lack of digital systems. Without urgent action, many smallholders face exclusion from EU markets under the new regulation (Palm Oil Monitor, 2023 ). The SHINES programme directly responds to this readiness gap by providing smallholders with the tools and support necessary to achieve traceability, certification, and compliance. It represents a tangible step toward closing these gaps, offering smallholders a viable pathway to meet regulatory requirements and secure long-term market access. In the next phase, KOLTIVA will support the implementation of a segregation feature requested through the KoltiTrace FarmGate system update. This will allow suppliers to distinguish between EUDR-compliant and non-compliant Fresh Fruit Bunches at the point of delivery. This feature responds to a core requirement of the EUDR, which mandates that commodities from land plots with verified compliance must remain physically separated from those without supporting evidence (European Commission, n.d.). ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3108/shrimp-in-transition-why-indonesia-is-industrys-new-benchmark.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3108/shrimp-in-transition-why-indonesia-is-industrys-new-benchmark.html Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:54:10 +0530 Image Source: Canva Halfway into 2025, the global shrimp industry is entering a new phase of competitive realignment. Indonesia’s May export performance—a 27 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in volume and 33 per cent increase in value—signals a strategic shift that goes beyond opportunistic trade acceleration. With 89,224 metric tons exported from January through May valued at $756 million, Indonesia is not only consolidating its global presence but also diversifying its product portfolio and export destinations in a calculated bid to counterbalance potential U.S. trade actions. The export surge places Indonesia on a fresh growth trajectory, even as established powerhouses like Ecuador and India grapple with cost structures, climate risks, and shifting market demands. According to Shrimp Insight Analysis, Indonesia’s YTD figures reflect not just quantity but also discernible progress in product sophistication. Cooked and marinated shrimp exports surged by 61 per cent YoY in May and 37 per cent YTD, indicating a push towards higher-margin, value-added segments. Meanwhile, raw Vannamei exports, the country’s volume mainstay, rose 20 per cent YTD. Breaded shrimp followed with a respectable 8 per cent growth, while raw P. monodon exports continued their multi-year slide, falling 14 per cent YTD—a symptom of broader species transition and shifting aquaculture economics. Market-wise, Indonesia’s shipments to the U.S. totaled nearly 60,000 MT in five months—up 14 per cent YoY and accounting for two-thirds of its global exports. Japan, the second-largest destination, absorbed 13,359 MT, up 7 per cent YTD. Meanwhile, a rebound in China (+21 per cent YTD) and a 63 per cent surge in EU-27 exports highlight Jakarta’s efforts to widen its demand footprint beyond the U.S., potentially insulating itself from the impending August anti-dumping tariff review (According to Shrimp Insight Analysis). This diversification and value capture strategy is particularly critical for Indonesia as it aims to scale its shrimp sector to $2 billion by 2025 and double exports by 2029. The short-term frontloading of shipments appears tactical, but the sustained growth in high-value categories underscores longer-term structural shifts in processing capacity, traceability, and compliance. Benchmarking the Big Five: Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China To understand Indonesia’s trajectory in context, it’s essential to benchmark it against other leading exporters—Ecuador, India, Vietnam, and China—each with distinct strengths, constraints, and market orientations. Ecuador: The Efficiency King Facing Climate CostsEcuador remains the world’s largest shrimp exporter, thanks to its high-efficiency pond systems, integration, and cost competitiveness. With 1.3 million MT exported in 2024 valued at over $7 billion, Ecuador has scale on its side. In the first five months of 2025, Ecuador exported approximately 593,080 metric tons of shrimp—up 17 per cent YoY—with export revenues totaling $3.135 billion, marking a 26 per cent value increase. Ecuador’s average export price per kilogram during this period stood at approximately $5.29, reflecting its dominance in high-volume raw head-on shrimp shipped to China, albeit at lower margins compared to value-added exports. India: The Reformist Under PressureIndia, historically the second-largest exporter, is contending with structural pressures. Despite significant growth in the last decade, India saw a marginal YoY decline in 2024 exports due to farm gate price volatility, rising feed costs, and quality-related rejections in key markets like the U.S. and Japan. In early 2025, India exported approximately 94,500 MT of shrimp, down around 7 per cent, while revenues edged up modestly to $1.1 billion—a 12 per cent YoY increase. This translates to an average export price of $11.64 per kilogram, indicating a favorable shift toward higher-value products despite declining volumes. Vietnam: Stability and Diversification Amid Rising CostsVietnam remains a solid, well-diversified player with strong ties to the EU, U.S., and China. While not growing as fast as Indonesia, Vietnam’s value-added capabilities and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) give it steady market access and a competitive edge in regulatory compliance. As of May 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp export value surged 22.3 per cent YoY, reaching approximately $4.3 billion. With a volume base of about 340,000 MT for the same period, Vietnam’s average export price hovered around $12.65 per kilogram—one of the highest among major exporters, reflecting its strong emphasis on processed, certified shrimp. China: A Rebalancing Act Between Import and ExportChina remains a unique case—both a major importer and a modest exporter of shrimp. With rising domestic consumption and robust processing infrastructure, China plays a pivotal role in global shrimp reprocessing and redistribution. In the first five months of 2025, China imported 343,787 MT of shrimp, a 7 per cent YoY decline, though the import value rose by 2 per cent to $1.82 billion. This implies an average import price of $5.29 per kilogram, underscoring its price-sensitive bulk-buying model. China’s own exports are smaller in scale and lower in average value, often dominated by re-exported products. Indonesia: Climbing the Value LadderIn comparison, Indonesia’s average export price from January to May 2025 stood at $8.47 per kilogram, derived from $756 million in value over 89,224 MT in volume. This marks a notable climb, especially given the country’s emphasis on cooked, marinated, and breaded products. Indonesia’s pricing is increasingly bridging the gap between high-volume exporters like Ecuador and high-value players like Vietnam, reflecting its dual strategy of scaling both volume and margin. Trade Geopolitics: The Anti-Dumping Cloud Much of Indonesia’s recent export tempo has been influenced by the pending U.S. anti-dumping review. The expected decision by August 1 could impose new tariffs on Indonesian shrimp, depending on preliminary margins assigned during the administrative review. While the full-year impact is uncertain, Indonesian firms appear to be mitigating the risk by aggressively front-loading shipments and entering alternate markets. If tariffs materialize, Indonesia could pivot further toward the EU, Middle East, and East Asia—especially China and South Korea. Its fast-growing breaded and marinated categories are also more appealing to markets with rising demand for ready-to-eat seafood. Product Innovation and Branding: The Differentiation Frontier One of the more significant undercurrents in Indonesia’s 2025 story is its embrace of processed shrimp formats. Cooked and marinated shrimp—now nearly a third of its total exports—command higher prices, longer shelf life, and lower rejection risk. These segments also benefit from rising health-consciousness and convenience demand in key importing regions. Contrast this with Ecuador’s raw shrimp export model or India’s bulk frozen Vannamei dominance, and Indonesia’s approach looks increasingly future-ready. Whether this shift can be consolidated with stronger branding, certification (e.g., ASC, BAP), and digital traceability will determine its long-term ability to compete with Vietnam in the premium segment. Implications for India and Others India must take note of Indonesia’s recent agility and processing-centric growth. While India has strong backward integration and a large aquaculture base, it lags in branding, cold chain infrastructure, and premium market development. There’s a lesson here: front-loading compliance and investing in product innovation can not only unlock margins but also cushion against external shocks. For Vietnam, the competitive threat from Indonesia is real, particularly in processed shrimp. Ecuador, while unmatched in scale, may need to prioritize resilience and diversification. China, meanwhile, remains an indispensable demand-side actor, with its recovery or retreat impacting all major exporters. Conclusion: From Volume to Value Indonesia’s breakout performance in 2025 suggests that it is no longer content with being a peripheral player in the global shrimp market. Its surge in cooked and marinated shrimp, expansion into EU and Chinese markets, and strategic shipment timing ahead of the U.S. trade decision all point to a maturing industry. But maintaining this trajectory will require more than export momentum. Investment in sustainability, traceability, and branding must follow. The global shrimp race is no longer just about who sells the most—but about who sells best, to whom, and at what margin. Indonesia appears to be rewriting that playbook, and the rest of the world is watching closely. ——– Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3097/indonesian-businesses-to-purchase-us-agricultural-and-energy-products-worth-usd-34-billion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3097/indonesian-businesses-to-purchase-us-agricultural-and-energy-products-worth-usd-34-billion.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:46:09 +0530 Indonesian industry leaders from strategic sectors such as energy, and agriculture engaged in productive discussions with their U.S. counterparts The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the private sector, is advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and the United States, focusing on robust, balanced, and fair trade and investment ties. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States, including efforts to reach a trade tariff agreement. “The economic relationship between Indonesia and the US has always been strong and must be maintained. One way to further strengthen this relationship is through the commitment of Indonesian businesses to purchase leading US agricultural and energy products, with a total value of USD 34 billion,” said Airlangga. To further this goal, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Indonesia and the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., hosted a series of high-level business meetings on July 7, 2025. Indonesian industry leaders from strategic sectors such as energy, and agriculture, including Pertamina, Busana Apparel Group (representing Indonesia’s Textile Association), FKS Group, Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo (as a member of Indonesia’s Corn Mill Association), Indonesia’s Wheat Producer Association, were engaged in productive discussions with their U.S. counterparts. "ExxonMobil is proud to support Indonesia’s energy needs. We bring decades of experience, global supply capabilities, and a long-standing commitment to being a trusted energy partner.” - Wade Floyd, ExxonMobil "Indonesia has been a great partner for us in the US cotton industry, typically one of our top 10 export markets." - Bryan Wiggins, Cotton Council International “Indonesia is an important country for us in many ways. We hope that this MoU and initial corn purchase will mark the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership that continues to grow over time." - Anne Murphy, Cargill “Indonesia has long been an important customer, with growing demand for high-quality American farm products.” - Robert Cruise, Zen-Noh Grain Corporation The meetings resulted in several commercial deals, as reflected in the signing of various memorandums of understanding, paving the way for new cooperation opportunities and deepening bilateral economic ties. “These partnerships are expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance knowledge and technology exchanges in both countries.” Added Sade Bimantara, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. The Indonesian government has shown its commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with the US, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress. Indonesia hopes to build a future-oriented economic relationship that benefits both the United States and Indonesia as well as contributes to regional and global prosperity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3081/indonesia-extends-multilateral-partnership-to-promote-sustainable-palm-oil-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3081/indonesia-extends-multilateral-partnership-to-promote-sustainable-palm-oil-production.html Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:36:09 +0530 Advancing renewable energy adoption in Southeast Asia and supporting Indonesia's ambitious energy transition goals LONGi, a global leader in solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions, has officially launched a strategic project to establish a state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing facility in Indonesia, in collaboration with Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE), a subsidiary of Indonesia's state-owned energy company Pertamina. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy adoption in Southeast Asia and supporting Indonesia's ambitious energy transition goals. The new facility, located in Deltamas, West Java, will feature an annual production capacity of 1.6 GW, utilizing LONGi's cutting-edge Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) 2.0 technology to deliver high-efficiency solar modules. The project is set to commence manufacturing preparation by June 2025, significantly boosting Indonesia's domestic solar PV production capabilities. This collaboration between LONGi and Pertamina NRE is a strategic step toward strengthening Indonesia's renewable energy supply chain. By combining LONGi's global leadership in solar technology with Pertamina NRE's deep understanding of the local energy market, the project will enhance the Domestic Component Level (TKDN), aligning with the Indonesian government's push for greater local content in renewable energy projects. Additionally, the facility will help meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality solar PV modules in both the domestic market and across Southeast Asia. In the RUPTL 2025-2034, Indonesia has set a target of 17.1GW of new PV installations over the next ten years, which indicates that the demand for PV in Indonesia will continue to be unleashed with the advancement of the plan. Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi Group, emphasized company's vision for sustainable energy development: "Indonesia holds immense potential in renewable energy, and LONGi is proud to contribute our world-leading solar technology to this transformative journey. This facility represents not just an investment in manufacturing but a long-term partnership to accelerate Indonesia's clean energy future. By localizing production, we aim to drive down costs, foster innovation, and create high-value green jobs, reinforcing our commitment to a net-zero world." As the global leading company, LONGi brings unparalleled expertise and innovation to Indonesia's renewable energy sector, further solidifying Indonesia's position as a key player in sustainable energy. This milestone reflects LONGi's dedication to empowering global energy transition through technological excellence and strategic collaborations, paving the way for a greener future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3075/china-indonesia-partners-for-mangrove-protection-initiative-through-think-tank-level-analysis.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3075/china-indonesia-partners-for-mangrove-protection-initiative-through-think-tank-level-analysis.html Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:15:29 +0530 Research report based on enterprise practices released The Research Report on China-Indonesia Mangrove Protection under the Belt and Road Initiative: Case Studies and Insights Based on Corporate Practices was officially released in Beijing. Grounded in corporate practices from both China and Indonesia, the Report offers a comprehensive, think tank-level analysis of mangrove ecosystem protection efforts. The Report provides a systematic overview of the ecological and socio-economic value of mangroves. By comparing the current status of mangrove ecosystems, governance frameworks, and public participation models in China and Indonesia, it sheds light on the regulatory landscape and potential areas for collaboration that Chinese enterprises encounter in Indonesia. Drawing on case studies and expert interviews, the Report further analyzes how Chinese companies are engaging in mangrove protection through ecological restoration, community co-management, and carbon sink development. It highlights cross-border ecological protection practices carried out under the Belt and Road framework by organizations such as CHN Energy, the Global Environmental Institute, the First Institute of Oceanography of China, and Guangdong Guangxin Holdings Group. The Report includes extensive research on the mangrove protection efforts of Chinese enterprises in Indonesia, like the Java 7 Project, jointly developed by CHN Energy and PLN. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates vegetation restoration, ecological compensation, and community co-management, the project has effectively explored a path for harmonizing development with conservation. The area of mangroves near the project site has expanded from 5 hectares to 19 hectares. "Safeguarding the environment is not a multiple-choice question—it is a vital answer to the survival of civilization," said Zhao Shibin, General Manager of GD Power Development Co., Ltd. under CHN Energy. Earlier, the "Revitalization of Mangroves" China-Indonesia Dialogue on Sustainable Development was held in Jakarta. The event brought together over a hundred participants, including government representatives, experts, and business leaders from China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and other countries. Attendees took part in mangrove replanting activities and engaged in in-depth discussions on mangrove conservation and sustainable development. Jointly compiled by Xufang International Media under China International Communications Group and ESG think tank SynTao, the Report was developed under the guidance of the South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, with support from the Indonesian Mangrove Society, the Yayasan Gajah Sumatera (Yagasu), and other institutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3073/revitalizing-seaweed-cultivation-across-southeast-asia-to-empower-coastal-communities.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3073/revitalizing-seaweed-cultivation-across-southeast-asia-to-empower-coastal-communities.html Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:50:38 +0530 Singapore's seaweed farming dynamics Seaweed cultivation, a key pillar of coastal economies, is especially vulnerable to rising sea  temperatures and heat stress, which slow growth and increase susceptibility to disease. This  threatens not only local livelihoods but also regional industries that depend on seaweed as a raw  material for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Furthermore, it can also impact the country's  foreign exchange earnings, as seaweed is an export commodity. For major exporters like  Indonesia, the world’s second-largest seaweed producer this puts foreign exchange earnings at  risk.   In Singapore, seaweed farming is still in early stages. Several pilot projects, startups, and  research initiatives are laying the groundwork for development of seaweed. Despite the seaweed  farming being in experimental stages, climate change is shaping how farms are planned,  operated, and studied. In addition, rapid urbanization has significantly altered coastal ecosystems,  leading to habitat loss and declining marine biodiversity, including native seaweed species.  Whereas in Indonesia and the eastern provinces of Papua, seaweed farming has long been a  critical source of income which is now impacted by climate change and environmental  degradation.  As climate resilience becomes increasingly critical, Southeast Asia’s future lies in regional  collaboration leveraging Singapore’s innovation ecosystem alongside Indonesia’s aquaculture  potential to restore and revitalize the seaweed industry. Sustainable seaweed farming not only  supports biodiversity but can also offer coastal communities, from Papua to Pulau Ubin, a  stronger, more secure economic future.  The Rise and Fall of Fakfak Papuan Seaweed Farmers  The marine tourism in Southeast Asia extends beyond the coastal  landscape and vibrant marine life. It is deeply rooted in the livelihoods and cultures of coastal  communities, many of whom rely on the ocean not just for sustenance, but also for economic  survival. Tourists can explore traditional fishing villages, learn about the coastal communities and  enjoy fresh seafood. However, this marine biodiversity is slowly facing threats due to overfishing  and climate change.   The decline of seaweed production can also be observed in Fakfak Regency, West Papua. In  Kokas, which was previously a center for seaweed production, this status is no longer held due  to the difficulty of obtaining seaweed seeds and harvest failures, as the crops are affected by the  "ice-ice" disease.  Eryanak farmer group is collaborating with Kaleka, a national non-profit research  organization that works with farmers, fishers, and forest-dependent communities so they can  cultivate in a way that benefits nature and people by establishing a seaweed seed nursery. The  process began with the formation of the group until the establishment of a nursery (floating cages and moorings) at three points, as well as the procurement of approximately 300 kg of Eucheuma  cottonii seaweed seeds from Tual, Maluku.  Golaf explained, "The Eryanak Seaweed Farmer Group was initially formed because seaweed  began to disappear from Kokas waters due to several factors such as the ice-ice disease and  changes in water quality. Since no farmers had successfully re-cultivated it, our group built a seed  nursery to produce and provide seeds suitable for the current conditions of Kokas waters."  The obstacle previously faced by this group was the unavailability of high-quality seaweed seeds  for seaweed farmers in their village. This highlights the importance of establishing a seed nursery  that is expected to provide seaweed varieties proven to survive in the water conditions of Kokas.  The establishment of the seaweed seed nursery serves as the axis of their movement, aiming to  provide various varieties of seaweed broodstock for resistance testing in the waters. This nursery  also conducts observations of changes in environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, and  pH) and seaweed growth to determine potential production.  The Future Hope for Papua's Marine Resources  The efforts undertaken by the Eryanak Seaweed Farmer Group, together with Kaleka, have  successfully restarted seaweed cultivation. So far, approximately 300 kg of seeds have been  distributed to 6 members of the farmer group, out of a total of around 220 kg of seeds. This is  considered progress compared to the previous halt in seaweed cultivation.  "Yes, most of the residents of Kokas are still not fully convinced to jump back into seaweed  cultivation because of previous failures. But now they can gradually start again because they are  assisted with the provision of seaweed seeds and also water quality measurements," Golaf said.  To make seaweed development more attractive, the farmer group still needs assistance with  facilities and infrastructure such as seaweed moorings, ropes, anchors, buoys, and fuel for boats  used to reach the moorings.  Through a restorative economic approach, the Eryanak Seaweed Farmer Group is also more  optimistic about the development of seaweed cultivation in their village. The hope is that this small  endeavor can be an initial step to drive the local economy of Fakfak's coastal communities in  West Papua.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3058/indonesia-set-to-begin-monthly-rice-exports-to-malaysia-amid-surplus-stockpile.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3058/indonesia-set-to-begin-monthly-rice-exports-to-malaysia-amid-surplus-stockpile.html Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:47:46 +0530 In a significant shift in national food policy, Indonesia is preparing to export 2,000 tons of non-premium rice per month to Malaysia, leveraging its record-high rice stockpile of nearly 4 million tons. The move signals Indonesia’s evolving role from a major rice importer to an emerging exporter in the global market. The plan, currently in the administrative finalization stage, follows discussions between Indonesian and Malaysian officials and aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s broader food security agenda. “Talks have been held with Malaysian counterparts, and we’ve met with potential buyers,” said Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono during a visit to Karawang, West Java. “Once the President gives the go-ahead, we’re ready to proceed.” The initial agreement includes a monthly shipment volume of around 2,000 tons, with the potential to scale based on bilateral needs. Malaysia, which meets only 40–50 per cent of its rice demand through domestic production, is currently grappling with high retail rice prices — making Indonesian supplies a timely intervention. Indonesia’s rice export readiness follows a policy decision to halt rice imports, a move that has significantly impacted global markets. According to Sudaryono, Indonesia’s absence from the import arena has contributed to a global rice oversupply and declining international prices. “As one of the world’s largest rice importers, our withdrawal has created a ripple effect — increasing global supply and putting downward pressure on prices,” he noted. Despite the global price dip, domestic rice prices in Indonesia have remained stable, underpinned by sustained demand and strategic stock management by the state logistics agency, Bulog. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that Indonesia’s rice reserves are now positioned not only to safeguard national food security and social welfare programs, but also to support regional trade. “Malaysia has shown strong interest in sourcing from us, given the price pressures it faces at home,” said Minister Amran. “With nearly 4 million tons in reserve, we’re well-positioned to meet both domestic needs and explore export opportunities.” The rice export initiative is expected to boost bilateral agri-trade relations and could serve as a template for future exports to other ASEAN markets. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3034/singapore-and-indonesia-reaffirms-agriculture-trade-and-industry-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3034/singapore-and-indonesia-reaffirms-agriculture-trade-and-industry-cooperation.html Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:25:59 +0530 Bilateral ties to advance cooperation in clean energy and decarbonisation for a shared sustainable future Singapore and Indonesia further strengthened their bilateral cooperation at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat, marking their partnership with a Milestone Ceremony for Project Development. During the 15th Singapore-Indonesia Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups Ministerial Meeting (6WG MM) was held in Singapore on 15 June 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The 6WG is a key economic platform between Singapore and Indonesia to advance economic cooperation in six areas, with Agribusiness and the green economy being the key sectors of focus among the 5 other major sectors. The Ministers underscored the importance of improving our business and regulatory environment to attract investments, and helping our people and businesses collaborate and seize emerging opportunities in both countries. In the agribusiness sector, the Ministers discussed initiatives to advance agri-tech collaborations and create new trading opportunities for Indonesian importers and Singaporean exporters, which will benefit both countries’ food industries. In addition, the Ministers welcomed progress in the ongoing collaboration between both countries on cross-border electricity trading and carbon capture and storage, which will support both countries’ efforts towards sustainable economic growth During the first Leaders' Retreat between Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the ceremony followed the signature of three government Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on 13 June 2025 by the Minister of Energy and Science & Technology of Singapore, Dr Tan See Leng, and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, Dr Bahlil Lahadalia. These MOUs on Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET), Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and a Sustainable Industrial Zone (SIZ) demonstrate both countries' commitment to sustainable economic development. The MOUs reflect both countries’ resolve to pursue impactful low-carbon and sustainability-focused initiatives. These win-win partnerships will support both countries in achieving a resilient and low-carbon energy future, and generate new investments into green activities, while we do our part for global climate action The ceremony represents both countries’ shared commitment to implement the MOUs, by supporting decarbonisation projects that will realise our shared ambitions and yield win-win benefits. It was officiated by Prime Minister Wong, President Prabowo Subianto, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Bahlil Lahadalia, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr Beh Swan Gin and Head of Indonesia’s Upstream Oil and Gas Authority Djoko Siswanto. Minister Tan said, “Today’s milestone ceremony marks a shared commitment by Singapore and Indonesia to advance our cooperation in clean energy and decarbonisation. The three MOUs on CBET, CCS and the SIZ will pave the way for impactful projects that boost economic growth, catalyse investments, create good jobs, and support our countries’ decarbonisation plans. I look forward to working closely with Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Indonesian counterparts to transform our ambitions into action for both our countries and our peoples.” Senior officials from both countries attended the ceremony, including representatives from Singapore Energy Interconnections (SGEI), which has been appointed by the Singapore Government to specialise in developing and operating cross-border interconnections to enable electricity imports into Singapore. As a key enabler of Singapore's energy transition, SGEI works closely with industry partners and government stakeholders to ensure the technical and commercial viability of regional power interconnectivity. The company will pursue commercial partnerships, joint ventures, and strategic collaborations that advance Singapore's vision for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3020/vietnams-fpt-corporation-and-indonesias-bappenas-to-accelerate-smart-agricultures-digital-transformation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/3020/vietnams-fpt-corporation-and-indonesias-bappenas-to-accelerate-smart-agricultures-digital-transformation.html Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:31:43 +0530 Using AI, green technology, and smart agriculture, the partnership will drive joint innovation to address urban management and sustainability challenges FPT Corporation, Vietnam’s leading technology conglomerate and the Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia (Bappenas) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Indonesia’s digital transformation, foster innovation, and develop future-ready digital talent in support of the nation’s long-term vision, Golden Indonesia 2045. The partnership will drive joint innovation through pilot projects using AI, green tech, and smart agriculture to tackle challenges in urban management and sustainability. The MoU marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s commitment to harnessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, and sustainable national development. The partnership also highlights FPT’s commitment to the Indonesian market since 2012, further strengthened after the recently upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia. Under this five-year agreement, the two parties will collaborate on a wide range of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating Indonesia’s digital transformation. This includes the joint development of national and sectoral digital transformation strategies, with a focus on enhancing digital governance through the implementation of e-Government systems, Smart Planning frameworks, and e-Monitoring platforms. A key pillar of the collaboration is digital talent development.  Several critical skill programs will be developed and implemented, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and data science. FPT will also offer strategic advice and policy input to help shape Indonesia’s digital economy, focusing on sectors like logistics, fintech, and digital infrastructure. In order to fulfill the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, we must harness technology, strengthen our industrial base, and invest in future digital talent,” explained the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy. FPT recently signed an AI partnership with Indonesia’s state-owned oil and natural gas corporation, Pertamina, amid Vietnam General Secretary H.E. To Lam to Indonesia in March 2025. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2990/danish-government-collaborates-with-indonesia-for-sustainable-palm-oil-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2990/danish-government-collaborates-with-indonesia-for-sustainable-palm-oil-production.html Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:43:46 +0530 The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative drives sustainability and smallholder engagement In Indonesia, a new partnership aims to make palm oil production more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.By promoting sustainable palm oil production, it aims to increase smallholder livelihood security, protect the environment, and comply with global sustainability standards and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative brings together global integrated palm oil group Musim Mas, sweet-packaged food company Ferrero, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Preferred by Nature, Agriterra, and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Funded by the Danish government's Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) programme, this initiative aims to enhance independent smallholder livelihoods, protect the environment, and promote sustainable palm oil production in line with global sustainability standards and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods InitiativeThis five-year project focuses on implementing scalable solutions for sustainable palm oil production. Its aim is to support 5,400 independent smallholders in adopting regenerative agricultural practices that improve farming conditions, reduce synthetic inputs, and strengthen climate resilience. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative will also strengthen two farmer organisations and help 2,500 farmers achieve certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards. Additionally, it aims to create diversified income opportunities for 2,000 community members—60 percent of whom will be women—while implementing measures to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate deforestation risks. A key element of the initiative is establishing a multi-stakeholder jurisdictional alliance to promote ecosystem restoration and ensure alignment with sustainability standards. Preferred by Nature, an international NGO headquartered in Denmark with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry projects, will lead project coordination, capacity building, and training in sustainable practices. Dutch agri-agency Stichting Agriterra will focus on strengthening farmer organisations, enabling financial sustainability, and fostering cooperative business models, while international NGO SAN will provide expertise in regenerative agriculture and deliver on-ground support through its Indonesian partners Kaleka and Setara Jambi. Both Musim Mas and Ferrero have a shared interest in securing a sustainable and traceable palm oil supply chain that complies with regulatory standards and meets voluntary commitments. Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Musim Mas, said: "Empowering smallholders through training and support is key to building a resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain. Musim Mas takes a landscape-based approach to sustainability. Across the Smallholder Hubs we operate, we work with governments, suppliers, smallholders, NGOs, and other players in the landscape to achieve sustainability transformation. This project will enable us to contribute in a new dimension with our new partners." Nicola Somenzi,  Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero, said: "We aim to create a thriving supply chain which benefits farmers' livelihoods and communities, protecting people and nature. Beyond sourcing RSPO segregated palm oil for our products, our active participation in initiatives like this strengthens the foundation for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that creates long-term value for all. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2982/pt-smi-and-afd-renew-strategic-partnership-for-a-low-carbon-future-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2982/pt-smi-and-afd-renew-strategic-partnership-for-a-low-carbon-future-in-indonesia.html Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:02:44 +0530 PT SMI and AFD renew the Memorandum of Understanding continue their partnership to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable development, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and green financing in Indonesia. PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI") and Agence Française de Développement ("AFD") continue their partnership to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable development, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and green financing in Indonesia. This cooperation is outlined in the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah, and the CEO of AFD, Rémy Rioux, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta. The signing of the MoU was also witnessed directly by the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia.and Brunei Darussalam, Denis Chaibi. This is the third MoU signed between PT SMI and AFD. The purpose of this latest MoU is to further promote cooperation between the two institutions, beyond the scope of the financing agreement. Some points of cooperation outlined in the MoU are: (a) Financing to support national development transformation; (b) Knowledge sharing and capacity building in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, healthcare, and solid waste management; (c) Publications and bilateral cooperation that highlight the partnership between the two countries. The MoU represents a strategic bilateral relationship between Indonesia and France in supporting inclusive low-carbon development. PT SMI consistently fulfills its role by engaging in synergy and active collaboration to support the achievement of the SDGs through the SDG Indonesia One (SIO) platform. "PT SMI is very pleased to continue collaborating with AFD, as both institutions share a common vision and goal in the effort to provide clean energy. This agreement is important to strengthen the legitimacy and reputation of PT SMI as a key player in the climate field. We have a variety of innovative platforms and tools to mobilize collaboration in financing environmentally friendly projects, such as SDG Indonesia One and the ETM Country Platform. Thus, we can become the right partner for anyone who wants to contribute and provide benefits in addressing the impacts of climate change," said the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah. PT SMI and AFD have been collaborating on financing infrastructure projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation since 2015, particularly through the provision of a USD 100 million loan. In 2018, a partnership agreement was signed and an additional credit of USD 150 million was provided under the SIO PT SMI framework. Several projects developed as a result of the collaboration between PT SMI and AFD include the Pekanbaru Drinking Water Supply System in Pekanbaru, Riau, the Madong Mini-Hydro Power Plant in North Toraja, South Sulawesi, and the Ijen Geothermal Power Plant in Banyuwangi, East Java. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2980/enhancing-oil-palm-plantation-operations-through-ai-djoko-soehartono-senior-partner-vantage-global-partners.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2980/enhancing-oil-palm-plantation-operations-through-ai-djoko-soehartono-senior-partner-vantage-global-partners.html Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:51:19 +0530 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the oil palm industry by providing unprecedented capabilities for monitoring, optimisation, and decision-making across the plantation lifecycle. The integration of AI technologies offers significant potential to address longstanding challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and resource management. This report examines current and emerging AI applications in oil palm plantation operations, highlighting how these technologies contribute to more sustainable practices Oil palm cultivation is increasingly integrating AI technologies to boost operational efficiency and sustainability, with several applications showing strong commercial promise. One key innovation involves advanced AI systems using satellite imagery to monitor plantations comprehensively. These systems leverage sophisticated machine learning algorithms to accurately detect and count individual oil palm trees. For instance, an AI-powered platform successfully counted 336,000 trees within just 15 minutes— a task that traditionally took weeks of manual effort. The advantages of satellite-based monitoring extend well beyond improved efficiency. It offers wide coverage of large plantation areas without needing physical access, enables regular data collection for consistent, ongoing monitoring, and provides a non-invasive way to observe plantations, minimizing operational disruption. Additionally, it is more cost-effective than conventional manual surveys and capable of detecting subtle changes in plantation health and conditions over time. By delivering a comprehensive, bird’s-eye view of their plantations, these AI-driven satellite systems empower managers to make better-informed decisions and optimize resource allocation—helping reduce environmental impacts while enhancing productivity. To read more click:https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2975/gar-and-cirad-strengthen-their-scientific-collaboration-to-advance-sustainable-palm-oil-production-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2975/gar-and-cirad-strengthen-their-scientific-collaboration-to-advance-sustainable-palm-oil-production-in-indonesia.html Fri, 30 May 2025 10:02:06 +0530 CIRAD and GAR sign an MoU to advance sustainable palm oil research at the Indonesia-France Business Forum 2025 Integrated palm oil producer Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) has announced a new agreement to accelerate innovation in sustainable palm oil, together with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Jakarta, the two parties committed to extend their partnership, targeting a new phase of progress that will address critical challenges for the palm oil sector. The agreement builds on over 25 years of scientific collaboration between CIRAD and the SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI), GAR's flagship agricultural research facility.    The MoU was witnessed by Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia and Eric Lombard, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France as part of the Indonesia-France Business Forum 2025, held on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Indonesia aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries. Building on a longstanding relationship The relationship between GAR and CIRAD began in 1996 and has been strengthened over the years with successive agreements to cover topics including sustainable palm oil production, environmental management, and precision agriculture. Nearly IDR550 billion has been jointly invested in Research & Development since the start of this collaboration. Together with WWF Indonesia; GAR and CIRAD have established the biennial International Conference on Oil Palm and the Environment (ICOPE). At the most recent event, held in February 2025, leading global researchers and early career academics showcased the latest research on critical topics such as climate resilience and protecting nature and biodiversity in palm oil. The partnership has also contributed to high-profile international research initiatives, such as the Sustainable Palm Oil Production (SPOP) project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), and the International Oil Palm Genome Projects (OPGP) Consortium. Addressing critical issues Through the MoU, the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to developing practical, science-based solutions to advance sustainable palm oil practices, focused on enhancing scientific knowledge, improving climate change adaptation, and increasing productivity in the palm oil sector. The renewed collaboration will include joint investments into research and development activities, including the modelling of plant functioning and climate change impact simulations, aimed at protecting and enhancing livelihoods for palm oil farmers in the face of growing climate risks. "Our partnership with CIRAD brings together global scientific expertise with field research that addresses the realities of Indonesia's palm oil landscape. It enables us to develop innovative, practical, and scalable solutions, with benefits not just for our plantations, but for independent smallholders across Indonesia," explained The Biao Leng, President Director at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, GAR's subsidiary in Indonesia. The partnership also seeks to contribute to Indonesia's national food security and self-sufficiency goals, while reducing carbon emissions, by developing new agroforestry approaches for the palm oil sector. "Our collaboration with GAR demonstrates how international partnerships can combine scientific rigour with practical results. It enables us to address key sustainability challenges such as climate resilience, land-use efficiency, and smallholder inclusion. This is a truly integrated approach to transforming the sector," said Jean-Marc Roda, CIRAD Regional Director for Southeast Asia Island Countries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2956/pupuk-indonesia-affirms-collaboration-between-energy-sector-and-fertilizer-industry-as-key-to-food-security.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2956/pupuk-indonesia-affirms-collaboration-between-energy-sector-and-fertilizer-industry-as-key-to-food-security.html Mon, 26 May 2025 10:11:20 +0530 A close operational alliance prevails between the fertilizer industry and the energy sector PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) emphasizes that close cooperation between the energy sector and the fertilizer industry is an important foundation for realizing national food security, which is part of the government's Asta Cita vision. The energy sector has an important role in Indonesia's success towards food self-sufficiency," said President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi at the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2025, in Tangerang. As a form of commitment to strengthen the synergy, Pupuk Indonesia signed two initial agreement documents to explore the potential for cooperation in the utilization of natural gas from two oil and gas projects, namely the Masela Working Area and the South Andaman Working Area. The signing of the two documents was carried out in a series of events for the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2025 which took place in Tangerang, May 20-21, 2025. The first agreement successfully made by Pupuk Indonesia was the signing of the Head of Agreement (HoA) with JV INPEX Masela Ltd - PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Masela and PETRONAS Masela Sdn. Bhd. The signing of the HoA between Pupuk Indonesia and the consortium managing the Masela block will be the initial step in the cooperation in utilizing gas from the Abadi Field in the Masela Working Area. Pupuk Indonesia plans to utilize gas supply from Abadi Field in Masela Working Area for the blue ammonia plant to be built on Yamdena Island, Maluku. The plant, targeted to start operating in 2030, is estimated to require a long-term gas supply of 150 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD). The construction of the blue ammonia factory on Yamdena Island not only represents Pupuk Indonesia's contribution in supporting the government's Asta Cita vision in the field of downstreaming and industrialization, but also becomes a driving force for economic growth in eastern Indonesia. By utilizing the giant gas reserves in the Abadi Masela Field, this project is expected to be able to create jobs for the local community, as well as encourage an increase in Regional Original Income (PAD). In addition to the signing of the HoA, Pupuk Indonesia and Mubadala Energy also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the potential for cooperation in utilizing gas from the South Andaman Working Area. Through this signing, both parties will explore the potential for utilizing natural gas from the South Andaman Working Area.The exploration of potential cooperation in gas procurement from the South Andaman Working Area is related to Pupuk Indonesia's plan to build a methanol and blue ammonia production facility. Pupuk Indonesia plans to build a methanol plant and develop blue ammonia in the Nangroe Aceh Darussalam area, which is located close to the South Andaman Working Area. The methanol plant facility is estimated to require a gas supply of 115 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD). Meanwhile, the blue ammonia plant is estimated to require a gas supply of 85 MMSCFD. Through the MoU with Mubadala Energy, Pupuk Indonesia is exploring the possibility of meeting the gas supply needs for the two facilities from the South Andaman Working Area gas field.The methanol and blue ammonia plant projects also play an important role in strengthening the downstreaming and transition of low-carbon energy. This is because methanol and blue ammonia are clean energy commodities that are increasingly needed in the future energy ecosystem. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2897/indonesia-japan-explore-cooperation-in-agricultural-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2897/indonesia-japan-explore-cooperation-in-agricultural-technology.html Mon, 05 May 2025 13:03:27 +0530 To achieve modern agricultural clusters, bilateral cooperation can also include trade and agricultural technology. Indonesia and Japan expressed their readiness to explore cooperation in agricultural technology to mitigate the risks posed by climate change, said Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman. The cooperation was marked by a meeting between Sulaiman and Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), Eto Taku, in Jakarta. "Currently, the most important aspect is cooperation in technology to mitigate the risks of climate change," Sulaiman stated at the press conference. He noted that several countries are facing challenges in the agricultural sector due to global climate change. Both ministers also acknowledged challenges in the agricultural sector, considering the high temperatures that can affect farmers' productivity. "We are experiencing the same problem, namely, extremely hot weather due to high temperatures. This phenomenon caused a decrease in our production. Climate change results in low productivity that affects farmers' income as well," he pointed out. On the other hand, Sulaiman highlighted that Indonesia has fertile land with ample water resources, presenting an opportunity to establish cooperation in realizing modern agricultural clusters. He noted that the two countries are considering conducting trade in addition to agricultural technology. Sulaiman stated that Indonesia has a surplus of crude palm oil (CPO), while Japan has excess cow's milk production. "We offered CPO and requested Japanese milk for Indonesia, as our milk supply is still insufficient. Technical details of this trade cooperation will be discussed later," he noted. Earlier, Sulaiman stated that Malaysia had also shown interest in learning about Indonesia's agricultural system for preparing food reserve stocks, especially in the face of climate change. The minister stated that Malaysia struggles to maintain productivity due to climate change, while Indonesia has succeeded through rapid steps such as pumping. "They want to learn about seedlings, water management, shallow wells, deep wells, and pump irrigation. They planned to send their team to study in Indonesia," Sulaiman stated. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2885/ttc-agris-and-sungai-budi-advance-vietnam-indonesia-strategic-cooperation-promoting-a-high-tech-circular-agriculture-model.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2885/ttc-agris-and-sungai-budi-advance-vietnam-indonesia-strategic-cooperation-promoting-a-high-tech-circular-agriculture-model.html Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:28:45 +0530 New project to establish a R&D Center for sustainable agriculture and launch a 2,000-hectare model sugarcane farm (demo farm) in Indonesia Vietnam's TTC AgriS, the leading high-tech agricultural enterprise in the region, signed an agreement with Sungai Budi Group to implement the cooperation commitments outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in March 2025 in Indonesia. This initiative, witnessed by Vietnamese Party General Secretary - H.E. To Lam and senior officials from both Vietnam and Indonesia, aims to enhance scientific and technological application and foster the development of agricultural value chains in both countries. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Rachmat Pambudy – Minister of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Denny Abdi - Indonesia Ambassador to Vietnam; H.E. Agustaviano Sofjan – Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City; H.E. Tran Van Chien – Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tây Ninh Province; H.E. Le Viet Binh – Deputy Chief of Office, Chief Representative of the Southern Region - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; H.E. Le Truong Duy – Director of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Ho Chi Minh City; and senior leaders from both companies. Strengthening bilateral cooperation, shaping the future of ASEAN agriculture Under the newly signed agreements, TTC AgriS and Sungai Budi Group will jointly establish a Research & Development Center for sustainable agriculture and launch a 2,000-hectare model sugarcane farm (demo farm) in Indonesia. The project will leverage advanced farming technologies to enhance yield, improve raw material quality, and accelerate green transformation across the agricultural value chain.  In the coconut sector, both parties discussed plans for a 2025 joint venture that aims to scale operations up to 300 million liters/kilograms over two phases. The initiative will build a production and commercial platform for coconut-derived products, with an initial capacity of 120 million liters/kilograms for both the Indonesian and international markets. Additionally, the partners plan to develop 20,000 hectares of organic coconut plantations in close collaboration with local farmers. In her remarks, Dang Huynh Uc My, Chairlady of TTC AgriS – emphasized: "With over half a century of continuous innovation, TTC AgriS has evolved from a domestic sugar company into a comprehensive international agricultural solutions provider. We believe that robust investments in R&D and technology, along with building a circular value chain, are fundamental not only to enhancing our competitiveness but also to affirming our commitment to global ESG standards." Oey Alfred – CEO of Sungai Budi Group – echoed the significance of this strategic partnership, highlighting the synergy of vision and strengths between two leading agricultural groups. Representatives from the Indonesian Embassy, Consulate General, and Tay Ninh Province praised the potential of this cooperation and affirmed their full support, pledging close collaboration with TTC AgriS and Sungai Budi Group. Firsthand experience of Vietnam's high-tech circular agriculture model Following the signing ceremony, the Indonesian delegation visited TTC AgriS's high-tech agricultural complexes in Tay Ninh and BenTre, showcasing the company's innovation capacity, optimized operations, and scalable sustainable solutions. At the Ninh Dien demo farm in Tay Ninh, delegates observed precision agriculture in action – from smart irrigation systems and crop-monitoring drones to IoT sensors that optimize resource use and improve crop quality. This technological platform was developed by TTC Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), TTC AgriS's core R&D center. The next highlight was TTC Tay Ninh Sugar Factory, where the circular economy model is implemented on a large scale: bagasse is converted into electricity, molasses into ethanol, and filter mud into organic fertilizer. This closed-loop model, encompassing R&D, cultivation, and processing, was highly praised by Indonesian partners, particularly Sungai Budi leadership, for its sustainability, investment efficiency, and scalability. The delegation then traveled to Ben Tre, where TTC AgriS and Betrimex are building a comprehensive coconut value chain — from organic plantations to international-standard deep processing plants. Notably, the organic coconut farming model integrates traceability (via QR codes) and aligns with the principles of a circular economy, leaving a strong impression as a testament to efforts to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products through sustainable development. Sungai Budi’s senior leadership team experienced the coconut value chain firsthand TTC AgriS and Betrimex proudly own the largest organic coconut plantation in Vietnam. Beyond traditional products like desiccated coconut and virgin coconut oil, the companies showcased a growing portfolio of high-value coconut products, including convenient canned coconut water and coconut milk, meeting international demand for direct consumption, mixing, and cooking. Indonesia – a strategic market in TTC AgriS's regional vision As the world's fourth most populous country and Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia has always been central to TTC AgriS's regional strategy. Fulfilling these strategic commitments not only expands TTC AgriS's international footprint but also deepens the Vietnam–Indonesia partnership, contributing to the goal of raising bilateral trade to USD 18 billion by 2028. Through these efforts, TTC AgriS affirms its pioneering role in building a resilient and adaptable agricultural supply chain, capable of weathering global economic shifts while reinforcing ASEAN's central role in the international agri-value chain. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2878/ai-driven-sustainability-reporting-solution-launched-by-mvgx-and-bdo-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2878/ai-driven-sustainability-reporting-solution-launched-by-mvgx-and-bdo-in-indonesia.html Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:06:38 +0530 Aim to help Indonesian companies achieve regulatory compliance, enhance ESG data transparency, and streamline sustainability reporting MVGX Tech Pte Ltd and BDO in Indonesia have announced the expansion of their commercial partnership with the launch of a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered sustainability reporting platform. This latest collaboration builds on the partnership between the two companies, first established in September 2023, to provide decarbonisation solutions for Indonesian businesses through MVGX’s Carbon Connect platform. MVGX is the Sustainability Partner of BDO, one of Indonesia’s largest accounting & advisory firms. Building on this foundation, both companies aim to help Indonesian companies achieve regulatory compliance, enhance ESG data transparency, and streamline sustainability reporting. This technology-driven approach aligns with Indonesia’s evolving sustainability landscape, ensuring businesses meet both international and local disclosure requirements with greater efficiency and accuracy. Empowering Businesses with AI-Driven ESG Reporting The new sustainability platform streamlines the production of sustainability reports through the automation of data collection and analysis, making the process faster, more accurate, and cost-effective while cutting manpower and time compared to traditional methods. Leveraging proprietary AI inference models and the region’s most extensive emissions factor database, the platform ensures expert oversight to effectively prepare and articulate ESG disclosures. The reports are prepared in compliance with key standards, including the GRI ESG Report Index, ISSB IFRS S1 for general sustainability-related financial disclosures, and ISSB IFRS S2 for climate-related disclosures. This ensures alignment with corporate sustainability strategies. Optimised Compliance and Reporting Timeline Traditionally, sustainability reporting in Indonesia required extensive manual preparation, often taking three to four months. With our AI reporting platform, companies can now complete their sustainability reports with at least half the time and effort, allowing ample time for revisions and external assurance before the Indonesian government’s June submission deadline. Accessibility for Indonesian Listed Companies The AI-powered sustainability reporting platform is designed to be accessible and scalable for all publicly listed companies in Indonesia, facilitating broader adoption of sustainability reporting. It streamlines data submission through a structured online template and questionnaire, ensuring consistency in ESG disclosures while reducing the complexity and time required for compliance. Meeting Key Stakeholder Expectations As investors increasingly integrate ESG performance into their decision-making processes and regulators enforce stricter disclosure requirements, businesses in Indonesia must enhance transparency. Globally, sustainable investment assets under management (AUM) surpassed $30.3 trillion in 2022, reflecting a 20% increase over two years. This growth underscores the escalating importance of ESG considerations in investment decisions worldwide. Ms. Lily Hong, CEO at MVGX, said, “Our collaboration with BDO in Indonesia marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise sustainability reporting through cutting-edge technology. As businesses face growing regulatory demands and heightened stakeholder expectations, digital solutions must evolve to provide greater transparency, efficiency, and accuracy. By integrating AI inference models with regulatory expertise, we empower Indonesian companies not only to meet compliance requirements but also to strengthen their ESG leadership, setting new benchmarks for corporate sustainability in the region. This partnership reflects our shared vision of a future where technology drives meaningful, measurable environmental progress.” Thano Tanubrata, CEO at BDO in Indonesia, said, “The AI-powered sustainability reporting platform represents a major step forward in our ongoing collaboration with MVGX and our commitment to equipping Indonesian businesses with innovative, future-ready sustainability solutions. ESG compliance is no longer just about meeting regulations; it is about shaping long-term corporate resilience, investor confidence, and market competitiveness. By combining our expertise in governance, risk management, and compliance with MVGX’s technological leadership, we are delivering a powerful solution that simplifies ESG reporting while ensuring companies remain accountable, agile, and ahead of the curve.” The MVGX and BDO in Indonesia partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainability in Indonesia’s corporate landscape. By integrating AI-driven solutions with expert oversight, the initiative provides businesses with the tools needed to navigate evolving ESG regulations with confidence. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2869/indonesia-expands-intermittent-irrigation-technology-for-rice-cultivation-to-improve-water-management-accuracy-and-efficiency.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2869/indonesia-expands-intermittent-irrigation-technology-for-rice-cultivation-to-improve-water-management-accuracy-and-efficiency.html Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:42:49 +0530 IPHA utilizes intermittent irrigation, which alternates between wet and dry cycles in rice fields. Indonesia’s Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has instructed all regional centers to implement water-saving rice irrigation (IPHA) technology to boost agricultural efficiency and productivity.“This technology enhances agricultural efficiency through modern methods. It not only reduces water consumption but also improves crop quality and yield. This technology enables more accurate and efficient water management. With consistent yields above 6 tons per hectare, this technology offers a sustainable solution for Indonesian agriculture” said Hanggodo.The initiative involved optimizing existing irrigation infrastructure managed by River Basin Centers across various regions.According to Hanggodo, IPHA utilizes intermittent irrigation, which alternates between wet and dry cycles in rice fields. This method has been shown to save up to 30% of water and increase rice productivity by up to 169% compared to traditional irrigation techniques.To support IPHA implementation, the ministry has also developed a digital water management system to help farmers and field officers schedule irrigation, monitor water discharge, and receive early warnings about potential droughts.As part of its outreach efforts, the ministry will hold a demonstration plot harvest and technology exhibition on April 22 in the Rentang Irrigation Area (DI) in West Java. The Rentang Irrigation Area, which covers districts in Indramayu, Cirebon, and Majalengka, is one of Indonesia’s key rice-producing regions that has adopted IPHA technology. Three of the 208 demonstration plots established in the region will be harvested during the event.As of April 17, 15 out of 208 plots in the area had been harvested, yielding between 6.5 and 16.9 tons of rice per hectare. The average yield reached 10.35 tons per hectare, significantly higher than traditional methods.In addition to increasing rice productivity, Hanggodo said the success of IPHA demonstrates its potential to support national food self-sufficiency. The ministry plans to continue collaborating with local governments, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to ensure successful national adoption of IPHA. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2845/vietnam-indonesia-drives-sustainable-high-tech-agriculture-to-accelerate-technology-transfer.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2845/vietnam-indonesia-drives-sustainable-high-tech-agriculture-to-accelerate-technology-transfer.html Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:13:31 +0530 TTC AgriS and Sungai Budi enter a comprehensive partnership towards the goal of developing sustainable high-tech agriculture A new partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia has been established to pursue sustainable high-tech agriculture, and government support has been given to expand multilateral trade. The significant step in agricultural and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia occurred during Vietnamese Party General Secretary - H.E. To Lam's official state visit to Indonesia, ASEAN Secretariat, and Singapore at the invitation of the Indonesian President and President of the Great Indonesia Movement Party Prabowo Subianto. A pivotal moment in Vietnam's regional and international integration journey, this milestone coincides with Vietnam's 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Indonesia, as well as its 30th anniversary of accession to ASEAN. In Indonesia, a major producer of sugarcane and coconut in the region, this collaboration is expected to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Linking the two countries' agricultural industries will boost bilateral trade, contributing to the shared goal of raising Vietnam-Indonesia trade volume to USD 18 billion by 2028. A comprehensive strategic partnership agreement was signed between TTC AgriS (Thanh Thanh Cong – Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company, stock code: SBT) and Sungai Budi Group – Indonesia's largest agribusiness conglomerate – under the witness of Vietnamese Party General Secretary - HE To Lam and Senior Ministers from both nations.  As part of the signing ceremony, H.E. To Lam, the Vietnamese Party General Secretary, as well as representatives of Vietnam and Indonesia's governments, as well as Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My, Chairlady of TTC AgriS and Oey Alfred, Director of Sungai Budi Group, were present. A number of sectoral agreements, including those concerning agriculture, were signed during the visit between Vietnamese Party General Secretary - HE To Lam and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto. Vietnamese enterprise TTC AgriS, which has been deeply involved in Indonesia's agricultural sector for many years, is actively leveraging its advantages to accelerate technology transfer and contribute to sustainable agriculture in the region with strong government support. Backed by strong international partnerships with governments and strategic players in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, the United States, and Canada, etc. TTC AgriS not only creates economic value but also builds robust global trade platforms to address challenges related to climate change, food security, and responsible farming practices. A major milestone for TTC AgriS and Sungai Budi Group, this partnership paves the way for cross-border technology transfer and management exchange, enhancing the agricultural value chain. An expanding multinational footprint and digital operations model distinguish TTC AgriS as a leading high-tech agricultural enterprise in Vietnam. A circular growth strategy prioritizes traceability, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing costs. According to the agreement, TTC AgriS and Sungai Budi Group will collaborate to apply scientific advancements to high-tech agriculture and agricultural value chains in Indonesia, particularly in the supply chains for sugarcane and coconut. By leveraging the partnership as a gateway to global agricultural markets, TTC AgriS will establish joint ventures dedicated to precision farming and advanced manufacturing. Technology transfer, the best practices of plantation management, digital agro-solutions and trade processes between Vietnam and Indonesia will be the main areas of focus for both parties in the sugar sector. In Indonesia, a 2,000-hectare demo farm will showcase advanced cultivation technologies aimed at improving productivity and crop quality. The partnership will also establish a joint agriculture R&D center in Indonesia. Developing a production and commercial platform that can produce and sell 120 million liters/kilograms of coconut products to the Indonesian and global markets will be the first phase of scaling up to 300 million liters/kilograms. Additionally, the project involves the development of 20,000 hectares of organic coconut ecosystem, fostering shared value and consistent quality. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2824/pupuk-indonesia-support-the-national-food-self-sufficiency-program.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2824/pupuk-indonesia-support-the-national-food-self-sufficiency-program.html Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:16:05 +0530 A total of 414 plots of land with a total area of 3,300,524 square meters or more than 330 hectares are available In order to support the national food self-sufficiency program, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) is prepared to support the management of confiscated land managed by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) of the Republic of Indonesia. A portion of the confiscated land will be used for rice farming by one of them. A strategic cooperation agreement (PKS) was signed at the Attorney General's Office Main Building, Jakarta, by the Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (JAM INTEL), the Ministry of Agriculture Secretariat General, Pupuk Indonesia, and Perum BULOG. This strategic cooperation is an implementation of the Government's priority program as stated in Asta Cita, according to Reda Manthovani, Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (JAM Intel) of the Attorney General's Office. According to Asta Cita, one of the goals is to encourage national independence through food self-sufficiency. “We must support, because this is a noble ideal of the President so that we can achieve food self-sufficiency. One of the government policies that supports this is the cessation of rice imports starting in 2025 and the target of absorbing 70 percent of the total 3 million tons of grain set by the National Food Agency,” said Reda Manthovani. AGO initiated the Independent Food Prosecutor program to support food self-sufficiency through the use of land seized by the state from corruption crimes and other crimes in order to achieve this goal. This cooperation focuses on the utilization of land seized by the state which is currently managed by the AGO. As part of this cooperation, there is a pilot project aimed at optimizing assets from the corruption case (tipikor) of PT Asabri (Persero) involving Benny Tjokrosaputro in Bekasi Regency. A total of 414 plots of land with a total area of 3,300,524 square meters or more than 330 hectares are available. The land will be used for rice cultivation to meet national rice needs. The President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi, expressed gratitude to the Attorney General's Office for implementing the program. Acording to him, a harvest of 1,650 tons of rice could be harvested on 330 hectares of land in Bekasi per season if each hectare produces 5 tons of rice. Cooperation will also be supported by those responsible for coordinating the provision of agricultural cultivation facilities and infrastructure needed for land utilization. Perum Bulog, however, acts as an agricultural offtaker, in other words, it purchases the results of land utilization. Additionally, this synergy is being established to develop the competence of Human Resources (HR) in the field of food self-sufficiency through extension activities, seminars, and discussion groups. Farmers' groups (poktans), community groups, and other parties that support national food security are targeted by this program. In this agreement, each party has the following roles: • Attorney General’s Office: Coordinating the provision of planting land. • Ministry of Agriculture: Coordinating the provision of seeds, agricultural infrastructure, and coaching of farmer groups. • PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero): Coordinating the provision of fertilizers. • Perum BULOG: Coordinating the purchase of harvested crops. Furthermore, this cooperation involves the exchange of data and information for early detection of potential legal issues, as well as socialization activities, human resources development, and other technical matters. The agreement will last for three years. The Government plans to accelerate food self-sufficiency by 2027, so that it can contribute optimally to national food security. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2812/saving-nature-secures-155-acres-of-rainforest-to-protect-wildlife-corridor-in-sumatra-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2812/saving-nature-secures-155-acres-of-rainforest-to-protect-wildlife-corridor-in-sumatra-indonesia.html Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:29:16 +0530 Fortifies the corridor, further shielding it from the pressures of palm oil cultivation and ensuring the movement of wildlife Saving Nature, a global leader in conservation, announces the acquisition of 155 acres of rainforest in Sumatra's Leuser Ecosystem. This acquisition is a pivotal move in the fight against deforestation caused by the palm oil industry, which is one of the leading drivers of environmental degradation. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, a crop that has significantly contributed to the loss of the country's rainforests. Since 1990, 25% of Indonesia's old-growth forests have been lost. The palm oil industry, expanding into critical habitats, has accelerated the fragmentation of ecosystems like the Leuser Ecosystem, one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The Leuser Ecosystem is home to over 5,000 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. It is the last place on Earth where the Sumatran rhino, elephant, tiger, and orangutan coexist in one place. With this acquisition, Saving Nature is securing a crucial wildlife passage that allows endangered species like the Sumatran elephant to safely travel between fragmented habitats. This corridor is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of these iconic species. "Saving Nature's focus is on addressing urgent threats to biodiversity, and this acquisition is a significant step toward protecting habitats that are under siege from palm oil-driven deforestation," said Brian Rodgers, Management Board member of Saving Nature. "This is not just about protecting land—it's about safeguarding the future of biodiversity." Since 2018, Saving Nature has focused on restoring migration routes for elephants and other wildlife, combating poaching, and reconnecting fragmented forests. To date, over 1,300 acres of land have been secured to link a 5,500-hectare government-designated elephant conservation area to 300,000 hectares of protected forest. This latest acquisition fortifies the corridor, further shielding it from the pressures of palm oil cultivation and ensuring the movement of wildlife. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, the corridor will be actively managed to prevent degradation, serving as a model for community-based conservation that balances human development with wildlife protection. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2806/sopri-an-integrated-funding-project-provides-financing-and-resources-to-smallholders-to-replant-oil-palm-sustainably-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2806/sopri-an-integrated-funding-project-provides-financing-and-resources-to-smallholders-to-replant-oil-palm-sustainably-in-indonesia.html Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0530 A partnership between Abler Nordic, Livelihoods Funds, Musim Mas, and Temasek Foundation aims to support at least 400 smallholders A sustainability impact fund manager, Abler Nordic, has partnered with a Singapore-based philanthropic organization, Temasek Foundation, which runs impact projects in Asia, as well as sustainable palm oil producer Musim Mas and Livelihood Funds to launch the Sustainable Oil Palm Replanting in Indonesia (SOPRI) initiative. The pilot initiative facilitates smallholders' access to finance and resources so that they can replant oil palm trees sustainably, increasing their income and preventing forest encroachment. In Indonesia, smallholders cultivate more than 40% of the land devoted to oil palm, but they face a significant challenge: aging oil palm trees reduce yields, making replanting urgent and costly. Without access to affordable financing, some smallholders risk expanding into rainforest areas, accelerating deforestation and climate change. The SOPRI project is a key component of Abler Nordic's Climate Smart Fund, launched in its pilot phase with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, which combines public, philanthropic, and private capital to create deforestation-free value chains and support smallholder resilience projects. The Temasek Foundation is strengthening this blended finance model by setting aside catalytic capital to guarantee and derisk smallholder loans through the SOPRI project, thereby reducing financing costs for smallholders and limiting risks for private investment. Initially, the SOPRI project will support 400 smallholder farmers on 400 hectares in Sumatra , offering long-term loans for replanting, financial literacy training, sustainability certification, assistance with land titling, and participatory village planning to promote responsible land use. In return, smallholders agree to avoid encroaching on the forest, which is subject to satellite tracking and on-the-ground monitoring. The project is designed to demonstrate that sustainable replanting is both financially viable and scalable, with future phases aiming to reach more than 20,000 smallholders. The Climate Smart Fund will act as the lead organization, managing financial operations and coordinating implementation with local partners such as Koltiva and Bank Amar. Musim Mas is providing technical support to help smallholder farmers achieve sustainable palm oil certification and access markets, while Livelihoods Funds is contributing its training and certification expertise to help farmers transition to sustainable practices. Beyond replanting, the project is also exploring climate-resilient agroforestry models, integrating oil palms with shade trees and cash crops to improve soil health, regulate microclimates, and help smallholders adapt to climate change. Abler Nordic now aims to expand the Climate Smart Fund, which grew from an initial $10 million fund to $40 million at its first close, by using a combination of investor capital, guarantees, and grants to implement concrete and sustainable climate actions. Arthur Sletteberg, Managing Director of Abler Nordic , said: “Building long-term relationships with smallholder farmers, communities, and local partners is at the heart of our work. What we are doing is complex and unprecedented in many ways, but the results so far show that we have the right model and risk mitigation measures to scale up the Climate Smart Fund and create meaningful long-term change for smallholder farmers and the climate.” Sébastien de Royer, Senior Project Manager – Southeast Asia at Livelihoods Ventures , said: “At Livelihoods Ventures, through this partnership, we aim to provide smallholder farmers with the technical support and guidance they need to transition to sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.” Mr. Rob Nicholls, Musim Mas's Managing Director of Projects and Partnerships , said: "This initiative is about more than just financial support; it's about giving smallholder farmers the knowledge and resources they need to implement sustainable practices. We believe that collaboration and engagement can have a positive impact on the environment and the communities involved in palm oil production." Ms. Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Livelihood at Temasek Foundation , said: “  This pilot initiative will be a game changer. By unlocking financing through catalytic capital, smallholder farmers can replant sustainably without bearing huge financial risks. Temasek Foundation is committed to collectively building this public-private-philanthropic partnership with Abler Nordic, Livelihoods Funds, and Musim Mas as part of nature-based solutions. Not only are we making a positive impact on the environment, but we are also paving the way for scalable and meaningful long-term solutions.  ” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2731/indonesia-continues-to-foster-the-fertilizer-industry-to-expand-subsidized-stock-to-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2731/indonesia-continues-to-foster-the-fertilizer-industry-to-expand-subsidized-stock-to-farmers.html Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:43:50 +0530 Indonesia continues to foster the fertilizer industry to expand subsidized stock to farmers Indonesia-based PT Pupuk Kujang's "Kujang Kampioen" research farm was inaugurated on 7th February in Cikampek, Karawang, West Java by the Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Aminuddin Ma'ruf. He ensured that fertilizer would be available to farmers in the form of subsidized fertilizer stocks. Deputy Minister Amin inspected the fertilizer packaging facilities and fertilizer stock in the warehouse of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) along with Tina T. Kemala Intan, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero)'s Director of Human Resources, and Maryono, the President and Director of Pupuk Kujang. In addition to inaugurating the Kujang Kampioen research farm, Deputy Minister Amin also inspected fertilizer production and ready-in stock. In his remarks, he emphasized that innovation and technological advancements are crucial to meeting the country's food needs. During this visit, he also toured several research demonstration plots within the 8-hectare facility. Through this research farm, Pupuk Indonesia aims to conduct studies to enhance agricultural productivity in support of accelerating national food self-sufficiency. Maryono, President Director of Pupuk Kujang, explained that the Kujang Kampioen research farm is equipped with various research facilities, including greenhouses, agricultural land, and rice fields. It serves as a testing ground for various cutting-edge agricultural technologies, new cultivation techniques, as well as fertilizer and plant nutrition formulations. "Kampioen is an innovation by Pupuk Kujang to implement a technological approach in improving agricultural productivity. Technology-driven approaches are essential for enhancing food production. Land availability remains constant, but food demand increases. The key lies in intensification, one of which is the application of technology," said Deputy Minister Amin. At the warehouse of Pupuk Kujang, we have ensured that fertilizer stocks are secure, and we assure our farmer friends that supply and distribution will remain safe, said Deputy Minister Amin. Deputy Minister Amin further emphasized that the fertilizer industry is a highly strategic sector. The goal of Asta Cita, which focuses on promoting national self-sufficiency in food production, is one of the key factors in realizing the grand vision of Prabowo Subianto. The recorded stock of subsidized fertilizers reached 133,671 tons on February 6, 2025, consisting of 99,191.4 tons of Urea, 29,056.9 tons of NPK, and 5,422.6 tons of organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, non-subsidized fertilizers totaled 10,218.9 tons, comprising 2,661.6 tons of NPK and 7,557.3 tons of Urea. Meanwhile, Tina T. Kemala Intan, Director of Human Resources at Pupuk Indonesia, highlighted that Pupuk Kujang's operational area, as part of Pupuk Indonesia, is strategically located at the heart of the national food hub. Since the company does not have direct access to the sea, it must continuously innovate to support national food security. "The Kujang Kampioen research farm stands as proof of our company’s transformation, for which we are truly grateful. The establishment of this research farm is expected to motivate company performance, making it more productive and efficient," concluded Maryono. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2696/indonesia-to-accelerate-the-distribution-of-subsidized-fertilizer-in-2025.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2696/indonesia-to-accelerate-the-distribution-of-subsidized-fertilizer-in-2025.html Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:22:00 +0530 Since January 1, 2025, about 600,000 farmers have redeemed subsidized fertilizer through Pupuk Indonesia In 2025, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) will receive support from the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) to accelerate the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to registered farmers. The acceleration is in alignment with the Astacita program and the mission of the Prabowo-Gibran administration to promote the nation's food self-sufficiency. Since January 1, 2025, about 600,000 farmers have redeemed subsidized fertilizer through Pupuk Indonesia, according to Rahmad Pribadi, the president director of the organization. The subsidized fertilizer policy was successfully simplified by the government, under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture. "Pupuk Indonesia expresses gratitude for the government's support, which ensured that the Provincial or Regency Fertilizer Allocation Decrees (SK) were issued 100% in 2024. This has certainly given farmers more confidence and peace of mind in redeeming subsidized fertilizer in their respective areas," said Rahmad. Starting January 1, 2025, Rahmad continued, Pupuk Indonesia has ensured that iPubers serves as the distribution platform, making it easier for farmers to redeem fertilizer. Registered farmers only need to bring their National Identity Card (KTP). The total number of subsidized fertilizer redemptions by registered farmers from early January to January 19, 2025, has reached 688,386 transactions, involving 599,582 farmers nationwide. During this period, the amount of subsidized fertilizer redeemed amounted to 405,000 tons. Specifically in North Sumatra, Rahmad added, 8,000 farmers have already redeemed subsidized fertilizer. In Asahan Regency alone, as of January 19, 2025, 541 tons of subsidized fertilizer have been redeemed. Furthermore, he emphasized that as part of the Ministry of SOEs, Pupuk Indonesia is committed to supporting the optimization of this regulatory simplification by maintaining stock availability. As of January 19, 2025, Pupuk Indonesia has secured a national stock of 1.01 million tons of subsidized fertilizer, consisting of 574,238 tons of Urea, 424,441 tons of NPK, and 14,728 tons of Organic fertilizer. The stock in North Sumatra Province stands at 89,000 tons, comprising 58,417 tons of Urea, 28,833 tons of NPK, and 1,959 tons of Organic fertilizer. To ensure the smooth distribution of subsidized fertilizer in North Sumatra, Pupuk Indonesia has also provided various facilities, including 35 field officers, 29 warehouses with a total capacity of 145,229 tons, 82 distributors, and 2,373 official kiosks. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2652/indonesias-koltiva-empowers-smallholders-of-natural-rubber-industry-in-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2652/indonesias-koltiva-empowers-smallholders-of-natural-rubber-industry-in-southeast-asia.html Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:36:17 +0530 Empowers smallholders with traceability and training for EUDR compliance The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) presents a significant challenge for Southeast Asia’s rubber industry, which accounts for 80% of global natural rubber production. Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia lead in production, with Thailand exporting an impressive 4 million tons annually (35% of global output) and Indonesia following with 2.5 million tons. These figures represent a powerhouse industry driving export values of $19.7 billion in Thailand and $5.6 billion in Indonesia, firmly rooting rubber as a critical player in their economies and the global market (ARC, 2022). Smallholders face unique hurdles in adapting to the stringent traceability and sustainability requirements mandated by the regulation. According to Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, commodities entering the European Union must be deforestation-free and accompanied by comprehensive due diligence documentation (EU, 2023). However, compliance remains a formidable task for smallholders due to fragmented supply chains, limited infrastructure, and challenges such as land legality and mixed-origin rubber. In response, Koltiva, a leading agritech company for enterprises to make global supply chains traceable, inclusive, and climate-smart, has introduced tailored solutions that empower smallholder producers to overcome these challenges while maintaining their livelihoods and market access. Manfred Borer, CEO & Co-Founder at Koltiva. “Our tailored solutions are bridging the gap between regulatory demands and smallholder capabilities, ensuring compliance, sustainable growth and market resilience.” Koltiva provides comprehensive support to help smallholders comply with EUDR regulations. From supply chain mapping and land documentation to training and traceability through its (traceability platform) KoltiTrace and (producers’ training coaching) KoltiSkills solutions, Koltiva ensures smallholders meet standards and maintain access to global markets. To support smallholder producers meeting the complex requirements of the EUDR, KoltiSkills offers a range of specialized services to build capacity and ensure compliance. For instance, KoltiSkills has already coached approximately 6,000 Rubber producers, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to navigate regulatory challenges effectively. In addition, Koltiva has already mapped and registered more than 180,000 producers and verified more than 790,000 Ha of farm plots and production areas in Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Smallholders in Southeast Asia face significant hurdles in meeting EUDR requirements, including limited formal land documentation, fragmented traceability systems, and lack of geolocation compliance. For instance, in Indonesia, only 10,000 hectares of 3.2 million smallholder plantations have Plantation Cultivation Permits (STDB), risking a $527 million export loss (Asia News, 2024). Vietnam and Cambodia also struggle with mixed-origin rubber, complicating cross-border traceability (Lesprom, 2023). ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2639/indonesias-pln-invites-asias-green-startups-to-join-forces-for-regional-energy-transformation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2639/indonesias-pln-invites-asias-green-startups-to-join-forces-for-regional-energy-transformation.html Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:42:33 +0530 MoU with Creww, Japan's open innovation platform, marking PLN's first international collaboration under the program Indonesia's state-owned power company, PT PLN (Persero), is calling on startups across Asia to collaborate in driving sustainable energy innovation through its Connext Powered by PLN program. The program supports PLN's transformation into a more adaptive and innovative energy company, striving for net zero emissions, while also strengthening its presence as an active player in the Asia-Pacific startup ecosystem to foster collaboration and growth. Japan Visit: Benchmarking and Collaboration To kick off this effort, PLN representatives visited Japan for a week in October 2024. The country was chosen because of its ambitious Startup Development Five-Year Plan, which aims to create 100 unicorn companies, 100,000 startups and attract JPY 10 trillion in investment by 2027, making it the largest startup hub in Asia. Moreover, Japan leads in energy-related innovation, with over 108,000 patents filed between 2000 and 2023 in areas like hydrogen and fuel cells (10.5%), e-Mobility (21.8%), solar energy (7.7%), energy storage (22.5%), and carbon capture (0.8%). During the visit, the PLN delegation toured and visited several start-up offices involved in renewable technology, hydrogen and ammonia power generation, AI, semiconductor startups, which have the potential to enrich the process of clean energy transition and digital transformation of PLN in Indonesia. PLN also held one-on-one meetings with selected startups at the Google Campus to explore pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives. A notable outcome of the visit was an MoU with Creww, Japan's open innovation platform, marking PLN's first international collaboration under the program. The partnership connects PLN to Creww's network of 8,000 startups and 450 accelerator programs, paving the way for future collaborations with startups across the region. "This initiative is a strategic step in building an ecosystem rich in innovation and collaboration, creating significant opportunities for green energy start-ups. This collaborative effort reflects PLN's commitment to driving economic growth, creating jobs, alleviating poverty and preserving the environment," said PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo. Launched in 2023, the Connext Powered by PLN program connects energy startups in Indonesia to foster innovation in renewable energy. Building on its success, PLN plans to expand its reach in the region, furthering its commitment to a sustainable energy ecosystem. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2618/pupuk-indonesia-enhances-agricultural-productivity-through-makmur-safari.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2618/pupuk-indonesia-enhances-agricultural-productivity-through-makmur-safari.html Fri, 06 Dec 2024 11:31:27 +0530 MAKMUR Safari program aims to provide comprehensive agricultural assistance, encompassing technology, land mapping, balanced fertilization, and mobile soil testing services In alignment with the Indonesian government's target to achieve food self-sufficiency within the next four to five years, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural ecosystems. One of its strategic initiatives is the expansion of the MAKMUR program, with the latest effort being the MAKMUR Safari, focusing on rice cultivation in Cirebon, West Java. This program aims to provide comprehensive agricultural assistance, encompassing technology, land mapping, balanced fertilization, and mobile soil testing services. Collaborative synergy is a key driver of its success. MAKMUR is a priority program of Pupuk Indonesia in partnership with the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) to establish an integrated agricultural ecosystem and support the National Food Self-Sufficiency initiative. Tri Wahyudi Saleh, Marketing Director of Pupuk Indonesia, stated, “We are bringing the MAKMUR initiative to the community, offering agronomic education and assistance, as well as introducing precision fertilization technology using drones for soil fertility mapping. The goal is to enable farmers to fertilize their crops with precision. Alhamdulillah, in this area, productivity has increased from 5 tons per hectare to 7 tons per hectare, across 61 hectares of farmland.” From January to October 2024, the MAKMUR program has empowered more than 152,802 farmers, covering 394,198 hectares of agricultural land nationwide. In West Java alone, the program has successfully implemented initiatives on 59,869 hectares, of which 45,425 hectares were dedicated to rice cultivation. Through the MAKMUR Safari, Pupuk Indonesia offers a one-stop solution for farmers, including the adoption of PreciRice, a drone-based precision fertilization technology specifically for rice crops. This method provides several benefits, such as improving fertilization accuracy, enhancing plant nutrition, and reducing crop failure risks. Additional services include mobile soil testing, land mapping, and support from agronomists to boost productivity and farmers’ incomes. Furthermore, the program actively involves various agricultural stakeholders, including PT PLN Indonesia (for electricity network and power supply), Bank Indonesia (for electric pump assistance), Bulog (as a crop offtaker with a one-day service model), and agricultural organizations such as KTNA, HIMPO, and Perpadi. “West Java is an agricultural hub, and we are confident that, with collective effort, we can achieve food self-sufficiency by 2027, as directed by our President, Mr. Prabowo Subianto. This is a shared responsibility, and at Pupuk Indonesia, we are committed to ensuring sufficient fertilizer supply. As of November 2024, we have distributed 6.6 million tons of subsidized fertilizer. Let us work together to realize rice self-sufficiency, ensuring domestic needs are met for the prosperity of our society,” Tri added. Meanwhile, Zuryati Simbolon, Assistant Deputy for Food and Fertilizer at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, who attended the MAKMUR Safari in Cirebon, expressed her optimism, stating, “Alhamdulillah, after three years of MAKMUR, we have collaborated with various BUMN stakeholders, including Bulog, which will serve as an offtaker. MAKMUR does not focus solely on rice but also includes commodities like corn, sugarcane, palm oil, and coffee. However, in 2025, we aim to prioritize rice. We hope the MAKMUR program can meet the nation's rice needs and achieve the food self-sufficiency goal outlined in President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2602/indonesia-strives-for-broader-and-more-affordable-access-to-subsidized-fertilizers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2602/indonesia-strives-for-broader-and-more-affordable-access-to-subsidized-fertilizers.html Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:58:21 +0530 The government has increased the volume of subsidized fertilizers this year from the initial allocation of 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons At the "Rembuk Tani" event held in Kabupaten Semarang, Central Java, on 22 Nov, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) invited farmers to redeem subsidized fertilizers. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Vice President of Indonesia, attended the initiative aimed at ensuring broader and more affordable access to subsidized fertilizers. Rembuk Tani is an initiative to facilitate farmers in expediting the redemption of subsidized fertilizers. The program is expected to help farmers achieve optimal harvests at efficient costs. The government has increased the volume of subsidized fertilizers this year from the initial allocation of 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons, with additional volumes allocated for Central Java. Therefore, registered farmers in the region were encouraged to redeem their fertilizers before the end of the year. As of November 20, 2024, national subsidized fertilizer absorption has reached 6,437,703 tons, or about 67.4% of the updated allocation provided by the government. Through Rembuk Tani, held across various regions, Pupuk Indonesia continues to encourage farmers to redeem their allocations promptly. Gusrizal, Deputy President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, explained that “We want to ensure that farmers' fertilizer needs are met, particularly in terms of availability and stock. We hope the support from Pupuk Indonesia, together with the Vice President, will boost the spirit and optimism of farmers as they face this planting season. With the rainy season now upon us, we are optimistic that farmers' absorption of subsidized fertilizers will be optimal. To facilitate the smooth redemption of subsidized fertilizers, Pupuk Indonesia has prepared sufficient national stocks, exceeding the government-mandated minimum. The company has allocated 1,106,035 tons of subsidized fertilizer, consisting of 638,024 tons of urea and 468,011 tons of NPK. “In terms of stock, we have more than enough—130% of the government’s minimum requirement. Additionally, the redemption process at official kiosks has become much faster and easier. Registered farmers only need to bring their National Identity Card (KTP) as their primary form of identification when redeeming fertilizers at authorized kiosks,” Gusrizal explained. The Rembuk Tani event also featured a discussion session involving Pupuk Indonesia, local agricultural agencies, and farmers. These discussions provided farmers with information on accessing and distributing fertilizers, practical tips for effective fertilizer use to achieve optimal harvests, and guidance on becoming registered recipients of subsidized fertilizers through the e-RDKK (Electronic Definitive Group Needs Plan). This two-way interaction aimed to strengthen communication between Pupuk Indonesia and the farming community while fostering sustainable collaboration to achieve national food self-sufficiency. “Rembuk Tani is a critical program that aligns farmers, the government, and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It reflects Pupuk Indonesia’s commitment to connecting with farmers, listening to their concerns, and working together to find solutions for the challenges faced by agriculture in Indonesia,” concluded Gusrizal. Rembuk Tani in Semarang was attended by approximately 5,310 farmers from Demak, Semarang, Salatiga, Kendal, Karanganyar, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, and Klaten. During the event, Pupuk Indonesia donated 10 tons of non-subsidized fertilizer to 10 farmer groups. Rembuk Tani has been conducted across 77 subdistricts in North Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), engaging around 17,000 farmers from nine provinces. Between November and December, the program has reached nine of the 11 scheduled locations in Central Java, involving 5,325 farmers from Brebes, Magelang, Tegal, Karanganyar, Klaten, Grobogan, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, and Wonogiri. The remaining sessions are set to take place in Sragen on November 22 and Temanggung on December 2, 2024.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2598/indonesian-special-envoy-hashim-djojohadikusumo-announces-eur-12-billion-green-funding.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2598/indonesian-special-envoy-hashim-djojohadikusumo-announces-eur-12-billion-green-funding.html Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:51:32 +0530 MoU with PT PLN (Persero) and KfW (Germany) to develop Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant (PLTA) and Transmission The Indonesian Government, through Special Presidential Envoy of the Republic of Indonesia Hashim Djojohadikusumo, announced EUR 1.2 billion in green funding for the Indonesian power sector from German state development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) at the COP29 World Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. The agreement was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT PLN (Persero) and KfW to support Indonesia's energy transition towards self-sufficiency with the development of various green power and clean energy projects, centered on the Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and transmission network connecting with green power plants.  Hashim emphasized that the government is committed to accelerating the energy transition. By fostering collaborations at the global level, the shift towards renewable energy is expected to support energy self-sufficiency and drive national economic growth. "We have developed a new strategy over the next five years to achieve a minimum of 8% sustainable economic growth," Hashim affirmed.  He stated that the development of clean energy sources is crucial for enhancing industrial competitiveness. Over the next 15 years, Indonesia's renewable energy generation capacity is targeted to increase by 75% from the total addition of 100 gigawatts (GW) in electricity capacity.  "We will be a major country fulfilling our responsibility to protect the environment’s future. We deeply appreciate the established international cooperation as a joint effort toward reaching the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target," Hashim explained.  PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo expressed full support for the government’s initiatives in advancing the energy transition. Various collaborations and initiatives have been implemented by PLN to ensure the success of sustainable electricity projects. Darmawan noted that KfW's involvement in PLN’s green projects is expected to attract more international partners to collaborate.  This will create a synergy of sustainable strategic, technical, and investment collaboration in global climate action. "This collaboration signifies PLN's proactive steps in expanding international partnerships to enhance national energy self-sufficiency in line with global climate actions," Darmawan stated. KfW Group's Sustainability Officer, Jurgen Kern, explained the KfW support for Indonesia represents Germany's commitment to international cooperation for green transformation. Further, Jurgen highlighted that PLN is at the center of Indonesia’s energy transition. PLN is strongly committed to greening the energy sector while ensuring reliable energy access. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2575/the-worlds-first-hybrid-green-ammonia-project-to-be-built-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2575/the-worlds-first-hybrid-green-ammonia-project-to-be-built-in-indonesia.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:46:31 +0530 Ammonia plant of Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM), a subsidiary of Pupuk Indonesia, located in Aceh PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), one of the major fertilizer producers in Asia is reinforcing Indonesia's position in the global green energy transition through the GAIA Project (Green Ammonia Initiative from Aceh), to be the world’s first hybrid green ammonia facility. This groundbreaking project leverages the ammonia plant of Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM), a subsidiary of Pupuk Indonesia, located in Aceh. In addition to producing ammonia using natural gas, the plant will also generate green ammonia from hydrogen produced through water electrolysis. Rahmad Pribadi, President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, stated, "The GAIA Project is not just an effort to enhance the efficiency of existing assets but is also an innovation aimed at creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the environment, the economy, and support food and energy security." Rahmad further explained that if green ammonia could be produced consistently, Indonesia could position it as a strategic commodity with high economic value, especially given the increasing global demand. This effort also supports Indonesia's Net Zero Emission target by 2060. To bring this project to life, Pupuk Indonesia collaborates with two Japanese firms, Toyo Engineering Corporation and ITOCHU Corporation, forming a joint venture that will support the production and distribution value chain of green ammonia. This partnership not only accelerates the implementation of low-carbon technology in Indonesia but also reflects Pupuk Indonesia's commitment to combating climate change through international collaboration. By integrating expertise from various countries, Project GAIA is expected to emerge as a global clean energy solution and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global green energy transition landscape. In the ecosystem of Project GAIA, electricity for producing green hydrogen will be sourced from renewable energy supplied by PLN, with engineering and construction technology from Toyo, and marine fuel supply chain support from ITOCHU. Persero is also a member of Indonesia's delegation at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan.  The GAIA Project also aims to accelerate the downstream chemical industry in Indonesia, promoting sustainability through renewable energy. This initiative will position Indonesia as a pioneer in hybrid green ammonia production, benefiting both domestic needs and creating a high-value export commodity. In the future, this business model could be replicated at other ammonia production facilities in Indonesia and internationally, supporting sustainable downstreaming through green energy. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Project GAIA The GAIA Project is projected to contribute positively to Indonesia's economy. In addition to attracting investment, the project is expected to create new job opportunities in the green energy sector. Moreover, in the long term, Project GAIA could be expanded to other ammonia production facilities across Indonesia and even abroad. The extension of the GAIA Project’s business model to Pupuk Indonesia Group's ammonia production facilities is anticipated to ensure a steady supply of eco-friendly fertilizer raw materials. This is crucial as fertilizers play a significant role in boosting agricultural productivity, thus supporting both domestic and regional food needs. The Arun Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lhokseumawe, the site of Project GAIA, provides infrastructure that supports green investment and accelerates the economic potential of this project. With over 50 years of experience in producing, storing, and distributing ammonia, Pupuk Indonesia is strategically positioned to make Indonesia a key player in the global green ammonia market. Beyond fertilizers and food security, the development of green ammonia could also bolster the global maritime sector, which is projected to adopt green ammonia as an eco-friendly fuel by 2050. "Through Project GAIA, Pupuk Indonesia is at the forefront of low-carbon technology innovation. This initiative is not only a milestone for decarbonizing the national fertilizer industry but also has the potential to become a model for other countries looking to develop green ammonia," Rahmad concluded. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2524/angel-yeast-contributes-43-46-million-to-establish-new-subsidiary-and-yeast-production-facility-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2524/angel-yeast-contributes-43-46-million-to-establish-new-subsidiary-and-yeast-production-facility-in-indonesia.html Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:30:55 +0530 The registration and land transaction procedures are estimated to be completed before February 2025. Angel Yeast a global leader in yeast manufacturing, is partnering with Indonesian agricultural company PT.Tunas Baru Lampung Tbk (TBLA) to set up a subsidiary in Lampung Province and acquire land to develop yeast production projects, in a move to further optimize Angel Yeast's global yeast production operations and carry forward its international strategy, boosting its competitive advantages in the Asia-Pacific markets. The subsidiary has a registered capital of 381 million yuan ($54.29 million), of which Angel Yeast will contribute about 305 million yuan ($43.46 million) and hold 80 % of the shares, while TBLA will contribute about 76 million yuan ($10.83 million) for 20 % of the shares. The registration and land transaction procedures are estimated to be completed before February 2025. The land to be acquired for the project is held by Sungai Budi Group, and the industrial land has a total area of 15.31 hectares, with the total amount of the land acquisition expected to be worth approximately Rp76.6 billion ($5.015 million). Indonesia has the world's fourth largest population and a high demand for yeast products, with an abundant supply of raw materials and convenient location in the Straits of Malacca. Chen Hongquan, chairman and general manager of Angel Yeast Indonesia Company, noted that from 2010 to present, Angel Yeast has built factories in Egypt and other countries, and that setting up the subsidiary in Indonesia will fully leverage the local resources, strategic location, tariff advantages to accelerate and deepen the company's development in neighboring markets. "The subsidiary will not only solidify our presence in Indonesia's yeast market to address increasing demand, but it will also enhance our competitive edge and long-term profitability in line with Angel Yeast's strategic goals. Additionally, we plan to aggressively penetrate markets in India, Oceania, and North America to accelerate our market development and expand our market share," said Chen. In the first half of 2024, Angel Yeast achieved an operating revenue of 7.175 billion yuan ($1.02 billion), an increase of 6.86 % year-on-year. The total fermentation production reached 204,000 tons, up 11.5 percent year-on-year. Angel Yeast's overseas revenue in the first half of the year increased significantly, driven by the bright prospects of the industry and the acceleration of the company's international development roadmap. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2500/indonesias-brin-developing-green-biopesticides-to-drive-sustainable-horticulture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2500/indonesias-brin-developing-green-biopesticides-to-drive-sustainable-horticulture.html Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:27:23 +0530 BRIN aims to help Indonesia promote sustainable cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and decorative plants on over 110 million hectares of existing horticultural land. Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing eco-friendly biopesticides to support the growth of sustainable horticulture in the country. "Since using synthetic pesticides pollutes the soil, spoils beneficial organisms, and disrupts the ecosystem as a whole, we are in need of environmentally friendly solutions," Head of BRIN's Food and Agricultural Research Organization Puji Lestari stated. Lestari said the agency had placed focus on research aimed at inventing natural pesticides using plants, microbes, and minerals. Lestari expressed hope that the efforts invested by BRIN would help Indonesia promote sustainable cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and decorative plants on over 110 million hectares of existing horticultural land. Meanwhile, Rasiska Tarigan, a researcher at BRIN's Center for Horticultural Research, emphasized the importance of using microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, as materials for making biopesticides. "Microbes living around plant roots can help improve soil structure, provide nutrients, and protect plants from pests," she explained. Tarigan stated that fungi and bacteria, as antagonistic microbes, can also be used as effective biofungicides and bioinsecticides. She said bioinsecticides, made from entomopathogenic microbes, can effectively safeguard plants from invasive insects without leaving chemical residues. "Rhizosphere microorganisms, or microbes living around plant roots, can also play a role in the absorption of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and iron, while supporting photosynthetic processes," she added. Bearing all that in mind, the researcher emphasized that BRIN would continue making efforts to develop microbe-based products to help the government provide domestic farmers with solutions to pests and plant diseases. "We hope that our research will result in products effective for dealing with plant diseases caused by different factors, including climate change, across the country," she remarked. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2492/orbias-building-infrastructure-business-wavin-opens-new-production-facility-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2492/orbias-building-infrastructure-business-wavin-opens-new-production-facility-in-indonesia.html Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:58:15 +0530 Expands reach in Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region with sustainable water management solutions Orbia Advance Corporation S.A.B. de C.V.’s Building & Infrastructure (B&I) business, Wavin, formally opened its new production plant in new Grand Batang City, Indonesia. The facility will supply the company’s expanding customer base in Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region with sustainable sanitation and water management solutions. Sameer S. Bharadwaj, Orbia CEO commented, “This investment brings our business’ innovative water management solutions to a high need and high opportunity market. It is a decisive step on our journey to advance life around the world.” In Indonesia, millions of people lack access to clean drinking water and safely-managed sanitation. The new site enables Orbia B&I to manufacture hot and cold water supply as well as soil and wastewater pipe systems (PVC, HDPE and PPR) that deliver clean water and sanitation safely and cost-effectively. To meet local customer demand, Orbia B&I is launching a proprietary product line —Wavin PVC+ pipes— to provide customers with reliable and easy-to-install wastewater drainage technologies. The Grand Batang production facility features state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and is built on a 20-hectare (49 acre) greenfield plot. Freek Crum, Orbia Building & Infrastructure (B&I) President, said, “This new facility is a significant demonstration of Orbia B&I’s commitment to driving sustainable growth in Indonesia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. It enables us to bring our solutions to a wider market, generate jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area. In addition, our new production facility opens the door to new levels of customer-centered collaboration and innovation, such as through our two on-site experience centers that will offer training and certification programs in pipe system installation for local installers.” “With the completion of our site in Grand Batang, we are well prepared to meet the needs for infrastructure development in Indonesia. We will contribute to improving the quality of sanitation and water management systems across the country and the surrounding region, while remaining fully committed to growing our business in high-impact markets across India, Europe, Latin America and North America,” concluded Bharadwaj. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2475/qarbotech-to-launch-first-state-of-the-art-factory-in-malaysias-puchong-to-produce-qarbogrow-photosynthesis-enhancement-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2475/qarbotech-to-launch-first-state-of-the-art-factory-in-malaysias-puchong-to-produce-qarbogrow-photosynthesis-enhancement-technology.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 10:21:31 +0530 New $1.5M funding from investors to build a fully equipped state-of-the-art technology capable of producing 100,000 liters of QarboGrow monthly Qarbotech, Malaysia's leading innovator in agritech and biotechnology solutions expanding across Southeast Asia, boosted by new $1.5 million funding from investors including 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, EQT Foundation, ID Capital, and Epic Angels Limited. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Qarbotech's global growth strategy and demonstrates the company's commitment to bringing its cutting-edge technology to new markets. The seed extension round will enable Qarbotech to deepen its presence in key markets such as Malaysia, as well as grow in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have an increasing demand for advanced agritech solutions.  Chor Chee Hoe, CEO of Qarbotech said “QarboGrow photosynthesis enhancer, is a formulation that utilizes a safe and organic compound with similar properties to chlorophyll. This locally researched formulation helps plants to photosynthesize more efficiently, leading to significant increases in crop yields. We believe that QarboGrow can be a game changer in Southeast Asia to confront the pressing challenges of food security in the face of climate change".  To further support their regional expansion, Qarbotech is opening its first factory in Puchong, Malaysia, equipped with state-of-the-art technology capable of producing 100,000 liters of QarboGrow monthly. “This new facility will not only increase our production capacity but also enable us to meet the growing demand across Southeast Asia more efficiently,” said Amirul Merican, COO of Qarbotech. Khailee Ng, Managing Partner, 500 Global mentioned that the impressive technology may secure additional funding from them to enhance the yield by by 60% in the regions vulnerable to climate change. Expressing confidence in future partnerships with Qarbotech to aid Indonesian farmers, Dr Muhammad Reza Hani, CEO of PT Iceh Agro Indonesia, says, “We are excited to distribute QarboGrow photosynthesis enhancer in Indonesia. Our pilot project in Aceh, across 400 hectares of rice fields, has demonstrated the effectiveness of QarboGrow in improving rice yields and increasing farmers’ income. "  “Qarbotech embodies our commitment to support a more sustainable, climate-friendly food system through transformative technology - with their offering both improving economic outcomes whilst significantly lowering emissions. We are excited to back this dynamic team and their journey to transform the global food system,” said Michal Klar, Founding Partner at Better Bite Ventures. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2451/fi-asia-indonesia-2024-concludes-with-resounding-success.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2451/fi-asia-indonesia-2024-concludes-with-resounding-success.html Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:57:21 +0530 Fi Asia Indonesia 2024, the largest gathering of food and beverage (F&B) ingredients professionals in the ASEAN region, successfully concluded on 6 September, with unprecedented success. The three-day tradeshow broke all records - attracting a record of over 22,000 industry stakeholders, and featured more than 700 branded suppliers from 38 countries, showcasing thousands of food ingredients and F&B innovations. Ms. Rungphech (Rose) Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director ASEAN at Informa Markets, enthusiastically expressed her sincere gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and speakers who contributed to the ongoing success of Fi Asia. “We are thrilled to have again set new records, while providing the premier regional platform to bring together the food and beverage industry to discover new ingredients, collaborate and innovate. The continued growth of Fi Asia Indonesia is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the F&B industry, and the growing importance of innovation, not just in Indonesia, but throughout Southeast Asia,” said Ms. Rose. Fi Asia Indonesia 2024 was co-located with two other major complementary trade shows, ProPak Jakarta and Growtech Indonesia. This strategic move created synergies across the F&B industry, providing exhibitors and visitors with expanded opportunities to explore new solutions and drive business growth. Participants appreciated the chance to connect with professionals from allied processing, packaging and equipment sectors, enhancing their overall experience. Connect and collaborateFi Asia Indonesia 2024 was more than just a tradeshow – it’s a unique platform to foster business relationships and knowledge sharing. Attendees actively engaged in networking events, and over 60 expert-led technical seminars and conferences. These provided valuable insights into the latest ingredients, regulatory developments, and emerging trends and advancements in food technology.Where sustainability meets innovation Ms Rose noted that “as a leading events and exhibitions company, Informa Markets is deeply committed to embedding sustainability across our operations and the markets we serve, to help our customers and markets achieve sustainable progress.” “Themed ‘Elevating the Future of Food through Innovation and Sustainability’, Fi Asia Indonesia 2024 focused on innovations in food technology that integrate sustainable practices to reshaping the future of food production and consumption. For example, the Sustainability Square emphasised the industry's commitment to sustainable practices. Exhibitors showcased how they are translating eco-friendly processes into action, and supporting local communities, reflecting a broader trend towards responsible sourcing and production,” she commented. Attendees also explored groundbreaking technologies in food production, including precision fermentation and 3D food printing, which are transforming the way food is manufactured and consumed. In addition, the Innovation Zone, powered by Innova Market Insights, introduced the latest and trending ingredients, including sugar reduction solutions, functional ingredients and clean label solutions that bolster sustainability. Plan for 2025 now!“If you want to stay at the forefront of ingredients in the ASEAN F&B industry you can’t afford to miss Fi Asia Thailand 2025, 17-19 September, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok. The next edition promises to build on this year’s achievements, continuing to drive innovation and collaboration in the food ingredients sector,” concluded Ms. Rose. For more information about Fi Asia Thailand 2025, please visit https://www.figlobal.com/asia-thailand/en/home.html ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2429/syngenta-biologicals-and-provivi-partner-to-introduce-pheromone-solutions-across-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2429/syngenta-biologicals-and-provivi-partner-to-introduce-pheromone-solutions-across-asia.html Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:17:29 +0530 The new pheromone solutions will target Yellow Stem Borer and Fall Armyworm affecting Asia’s major rice and corn production regions like India, Indonesia and Thailand Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi today announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize new pheromone-based biological solutions to effectively and more safely control detrimental pests in corn and rice – crops that serve as a primary food source for 3.5 billion people globally. The collaboration brings together Provivi’s expertise in pheromone-based crop protection solutions with Syngenta’s global reach and development capabilities. The two new pheromone solutions will help farmers manage the devastating pests, Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) in India and Indonesia and Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Thailand. The YSB Eco-Dispenser for India and Indonesia, and the FAW Eco-Granules for Thailand will be available to farmers starting in 2026. These innovative product formulations, made from biodegradable materials, represent significant advancements such as enhanced efficacy, longer duration, and improved environmental sustainability for the benefit of farmers. Pheromones are natural signaling compounds that effectively control pests by interfering with their mating behaviors, preventing pest reproduction. Because they are non-toxic and species-specific, pheromones do not harm organisms that pose zero threat, therefore helping preserve the diversity and abundance of beneficial insects and pollinators. The benefits of using pheromones in an integrated pest management program include their highly specific target activity and a mode of action, preventing, instead of eliminating, thereby supporting the preservation of biodiversity and the flourishing of non-target species. The YSB and FAW pests stand out as among the most destructive insect pests in agriculture, threatening a wide variety of crops in many countries and impacting farmers’ livelihoods as well as food security. As the dominant pest of rice in Asia, YSB pests can attack rice crops throughout different phases of the plant’s life, resulting in crops with “dead hearts” and “white ears” – symptoms of dried-up central shoots and chaffy, or unfilled grain, leading to significantly lower yields. The FAW – which is in fact a caterpillar and not a worm – is notable for its destructive capacity and rapid spread. Since the discovery of the FAW pest in Thailand in late 2018, farmers in the country have seen yields fall as much as 40 per cent for corn, and in some cases been forced to plough under entire fields. This has severe implications for corn production in Thailand, where the crop is vital for the country’s economy, supporting both domestic and export markets. Syngenta and Provivi have previously collaborated to bring the pheromone-based technology NELVIUM® to Indonesia to control rice stem borer insects. The expansion of the pheromone partnership with Provivi is aligned with Syngenta’s sustainability priorities, which includes accelerating crop productivity while reducing the impact on the planet, through more sustainable technologies. Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Biologicals and Seedcare at Syngenta: “Farmers need solutions that effectively address pest pressure while ensuring sustainability on their farms, particularly as pest threats evolve with climate change. We’re proud to work together with Provivi to deliver the next-generation in pheromone-based biocontrols that target farmer key pest challenges.” Pedro Coelho, Chief Business Officer at Provivi®: “Pheromone-based solutions are non-toxic and species-specific, and safeguard biodiversity by preserving beneficial insects and pollinators. We are excited to work again with Syngenta to broaden the offer of pheromone-based solutions available to farmers in Asia.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2427/fao-director-general-honours-indonesian-president-joko-widodo-with-the-prestigious-fao-agricola-medal.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2427/fao-director-general-honours-indonesian-president-joko-widodo-with-the-prestigious-fao-agricola-medal.html Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:38:39 +0530 The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, QU Dongyu, presented President Joko Widodo of Indonesia with the FAO Agricola Medal, the Organization’s highest award, in a ceremony held at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jakarta.  “Under the leadership of President Jokowi, Indonesia has prioritized and made great progress in transforming its agrifood system within the context of sustained economic growth, even in the face of global challenges and uncertainties, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” the FAO Director-General said, using the name by which the Indonesian leader is popularly known.   He noted that this focus and success are captured in the inscription on the Agricola Medal which reads: Stronger Together for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems. This, Qu said also reflected his focus since taking office at FAO in 2019, for the transformation of global agrifood systems as a cornerstone for global food security. In his acceptance speech, the Indonesian president said: “We dedicate this Agricola Medal to all farmers, all people who have actively contributed to strengthening the agricultural sector.” He also expressed the hope that “this highest award in the field of food and agriculture can awaken Indonesia’s collective energy to contribute more to world food security.” The awarding of the medal to the Indonesian President is a significant milestone because it recognizes Indonesia as a large country of growing importance in the region and in the world, the FAO Director-General said. It is also “a recognition of the historic and continued collaboration between FAO and Indonesia, which has lasted for almost seven decades.” The areas in which FAO and Indonesia have been working together include increasing food production; reducing food loss and waste; crop biodiversity; adaptation and mitigation against the impacts of the crisis; ecosystem restoration; forests monitoring and natural resources management. The work also focuses on prioritizing the food-forest-water-energy nexus. The collaboration between FAO and Indonesia in recent years also reflects another convergence, one of future visions: that of the FAO Strategic Framework with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision - which will mark 100 years of Indonesia’s independence, the Director-General said. FAO-Indonesia cooperation Qu highlighted three specific areas of collaboration with Indonesia, which FAO is committed to supporting further with its technical and professional knowledge and expertise: First: Digital Agriculture, including E-Agriculture. The Digital Village Initiative promotes digitalization in agriculture and aquaculture in Indonesia, especially among young entrepreneurs.   Second: South-South and Triangular Cooperation. FAO’s support to promote and facilitate South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Indonesia has a long history. In 1985, 4 million Indonesian farmers worked to create the Indonesian Farmers Fund, entrusted to FAO in support of African farmers.  In 2021, FAO and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on South-South and Triangular Cooperation and in February this year, FAO and the Government of Indonesia held a workshop to further strengthen collaboration. Third: Aquaculture. FAO has been collaborating through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in the context of Indonesia’s Blue Economy Roadmap and FAO’s Blue Transformation Roadmap to, among other, review the national aquaculture biosecurity strategy and strategy for the management of aquatic genetic resources.   The FAO Agricola Medal is conferred by the FAO Director-General to extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated commitment and action in support of FAO’s mandate to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure food security and nutrition for all, Qu said. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2408/indonesias-japfa-group-achieves-successful-first-step-in-tropical-eel-reproduction.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2408/indonesias-japfa-group-achieves-successful-first-step-in-tropical-eel-reproduction.html Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:35:53 +0530 A groundbreaking achievement in aquaculture and conservation The Aquaculture Research Center (ARC), a cutting-edge facility established by PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), a member of Singapore's JAPFA Group in Indonesia, has reached a groundbreaking milestone in aquaculture by successfully achieving the first step in reproducing the high-value tropical eel, Anguilla bicolor, marking the first such accomplishment worldwide. This pioneering development marks a major advancement in the sustainable management of eel populations, with promising implications for both commercial aquaculture and eel conservation efforts. PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP) is a subsidiary of JAPFA that focuses on integrated aquaculture. Tropical eel, with the scientific name Anguilla bicolor, is considered a high-value species due to its exceptional demand in culinary markets across Asia and beyond. This eel is prized for its rich flavour and high nutritional content, making it a popular choice for premium dishes. Sustainable aquaculture of tropical eel addresses the growing demand, while reducing pressure on wild populations, thus contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. This success in the first step of reproducing tropical eel not only represents a historic achievement in aquaculture but also underscores JAPFA Group’s commitment to sustainability in food production, paving the way for future innovations in the aquaculture industry. Headquartered in Singapore; JAPFA has established a integrated network of modern farming, processing and distribution facilities in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2400/indonesias-brin-research-to-strengthen-palm-oil-commodity-products-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2400/indonesias-brin-research-to-strengthen-palm-oil-commodity-products-sector.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:21:06 +0530 IPORICE 2024 themed "Sustainable Palm Oil Fighting Power for Advanced Indonesia" The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is organised the Indonesia Research and Innovation Expo (InaRI Expo) 2024 in which included series of activates at Indonesia Palm Oil Research and Innovation Conference and Expo (IPORICE) 2024. This activity was held for two days on August 13-14, 2024 at the BRIN Ballroom, Sarwono Prawirohardjo Area, Jakarta. IPORICE 2024 with the theme of "Sustainable Palm Oil Fighting Power for Advanced Indonesia" presented as a forum for integrating various research and innovations, facilitating collaborative meetings between stakeholders, and exhibiting the latest research and innovation results in the palm oil industry. Head of BRIN's Centre for Economic Research, Services and Trade Umi Mu'awanah explained that various determinants have the potential to trigger changes in Indonesia's role and influence in the global arena. Starting from the development of agro-industry, disruption of information and communication technology, changes in consumer preferences, to environmental issues. "Its termination brings us back to examine the true performance of national palm oil. In this regard, the support of research and innovation in palm oil is crucial. In recent years, research and innovation have developed significantly by making a real contribution to increasing productivity and competitiveness," said Umi. It is hoped that with IPORICE 2024, stakeholders can contribute to realising the vision of an advanced Indonesia, where a sustainable palm oil industry becomes one of the driving forces of national development. Participants were from relevant ministries/agencies, palm oil companies, associations of palm oil companies and farmers, academics, research institutions, civil society organisations, professionals. The key speakers are scheduled to be Chairman of BRIN Laksana Tri Handoko, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Managing Director of BPBD Kelapa Sawit Eddy Abdurrahman, Secretary General of CPOPC, and Deputy Minister of Defence. The event was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Research on the Economics of Industry, Services and Trade (PR EIJP), BRIN's Governance, Economy and Public Welfare Research Organisation (OR TKPEKM) and the Association of Indonesian Plantation Companies (GPPI). The forum provided recommendations on various perspectives on national palm oil governance, challenges, and opportunities, a gathering place for collaborative meetings of stakeholders, to increase awareness of the results of palm oil research and innovation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2363/indonesias-agrosolution-pupuk-kaltim-successfully-increases-rice-productivity-in-jember.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2363/indonesias-agrosolution-pupuk-kaltim-successfully-increases-rice-productivity-in-jember.html Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:52:00 +0530 Aims to optimizing agricultural governance in the Agrosolution program, with focus on maintaining food security by using environmentally friendly products Indonesia's PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) through the Agrosolution Program has succeeded in increasing rice productivity in Jember Regency, East Java to reach 8 tons per hectare. PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur is one of the strategic industrial companies in Indonesia with five Ammonia plant units and five Urea plant units in one location in Bontang, East Kalimantan and is the subsidiary of PT Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company. The first harvest of the Agrosolution Program implemented in Jember was attended by the Director of Production of Pupuk Kaltim F. Purwanto, the Jember Regency Government represented by the Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Service of Jember Regency Imam Sudarmaji, Kasdim 0824 Jember, and representatives from the Farmer Group. The Agrosolution program also encourages the use of non-subsidized fertilizer products by farmers, so that dependence on subsidized fertilizers can be reduced and productive land targets can be achieved more effectively and efficiently. This program is realized through intensive and sustainable assistance, and involves a supply chain supported by technology based on 5P (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership). Pupuk Kaltim Production Director, F. Purwanto, also emphasized that the Agrosolution Program is supported by Pupuk Kaltim's superior products that have been proven to be suitable for various types of plants and land characteristics. These products include Urea Daun Buah which has transitioned into Nitrea products, NPK Pelangi, and Ecofert and Biodex biological products. This program facilitates farmers with various facilities, starting from the provision of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, access to capital, and regular assistance in land management. In addition, farmers are also facilitated with agricultural insurance to anticipate crop failure and guarantees of continuous purchase of harvest results by offtakers above the average market price. Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Service of Jember Regency, Imam Sudarmaji, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the Agrosolution Program in his area. According to him, the program is very effective in encouraging increased rice production, supported by the excellent quality of non-subsidized products. This program also serves as a forum for farmers to maximize production results. Previously, paddy production in Puger District reached 7 tons per hectare. He also invited farmers in Jember who had not joined the Agrosolution Program to participate. By optimizing agricultural governance through the Agrosolution Program, farmers' welfare can be significantly improved. This program is not only intended to increase agricultural productivity, but also provides certainty of periodic purchase of harvests. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2306/indonesia-emphasizes-the-significance-of-smallholders-in-the-palm-oil-industry-supply-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2306/indonesia-emphasizes-the-significance-of-smallholders-in-the-palm-oil-industry-supply-chain.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:23:09 +0530 Major palm oil companies, such as Asian Agri, have long been committed to addressing smallholders concerns like certifications costs, audits, and workforce training. Smallholders play an essential role in the palm oil industry supply chain as Indonesia is the world leader in crude palm oil (CPO) production and exports. Apart from contributing significantly to the country's economy, smallholders play a crucial role in maintaining the palm oil industry. Data from the Indonesian Palm Oil Statistics 2022, provided by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), reveals that out of the approximately 16.83 million hectares of total oil palm plantations in Indonesia, 6.21 million hectares or 40.51% are owned by smallholders. Private plantations cover 8.58 million hectares (55.92%), while the remaining 0.55 million hectares (3.57%) are under large state-owned plantations. A significant portion of oil palm produced by smallholder plantations is often sold on a small scale because they lack legal registration. Key challenges include land ownership regulations, bureaucratic obstacles creating legal uncertainty, and limited access to resources and financing, impeding the adoption of sustainable practices. Asian Agri actively supports its smallholders in obtaining certifications, addressing documentation costs, audits, and workforce training. The managers of smallholder oil palm plantations fall into two categories: scheme smallholders, who have contractual ties or credit agreements with palm oil mills, and independent smallholders, lacking such connections in selling their fresh fruit bunches. According to the Plantation Statistics Book 2021-2022, around 2.5 million smallholders are engaged in oil palm cultivation in Indonesia, comprising both scheme and independent smallholders. Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, acknowledges that despite their substantial land contributions, smallholder plantations yield less compared to those of private companies and state-owned enterprises. Major palm oil companies, such as Asian Agri, have long been committed to addressing these challenges. The company partnered with more than 300,000 smallholders covering more than 100,000 hectares of plantation. Currently, Asian Agri manages 30 plantations, 22 palm oil mills, 1 kernel crushing plants, and 11 Biogas plants. In 2022, Asian Agri launched the Asian Agri 2030 initiative, dedicated to ensuring sustainable oil palm cultivation through partnerships, suppliers, and employee engagement. The initiative aims to protect the environment, forests, ecosystems, wildlife, and communities, including the welfare of smallholders who, by 2030, are projected to account for 60% of Indonesia’s palm oil production. Within the Smallholder Partnership pillar of AA2030, Asian Agri reinforces replanting programs for smallholders, targeting a doubling of their income by 2030. The company aims to increase income from fresh fruit bunches by replanting oil palm trees and resolving technical challenges in harvesting oil palm. As part of Asian Agri's commitment to supporting smallholders, economic, social, and environmental impact is emphasized. Asian Agri has been actively assisting smallholders in obtaining certifications since 2012. Independent and plasma smallholders can be guided to obtain the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, and independent smallholders for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The company partners with scheme smallholders by providing them with access to financing, technical support, training and guidance for effective, sustainable, and efficient palm oil harvesting and management. Asian Agri has also assisted them in obtaining RSPO and ISCC certifications. Currently, we are working with them to obtain the ISPO certificates. Committed to smallholder success, the company reinvests a portion of its sustainable palm oil profits into support programs. 2022 initiatives focused on enhancing agronomic skills, promoting livestock cultivation, and improving village and plantation infrastructure. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2267/shaping-the-future-of-feed-and-animal-nutrition-a-focus-at-u-s-soybeanexport-council-events-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2267/shaping-the-future-of-feed-and-animal-nutrition-a-focus-at-u-s-soybeanexport-council-events-in-indonesia.html Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:54:05 +0530 Underscore USSEC’s dedication to elevating global industry standards and fostering innovation within the feed and animal protein production sectors. The U.S. Soybean Export Council’s Southeast Asia team hosted over 200 participants at two technical events in Bali, Indonesia, from May 27 - 31, 2024. The Raw Material & Food Biosecurity Workshop (May 27 – 28, 2024) and the 30th regional Feed Technology & Animal Nutrition Conference (May 29 – 31, 2024) brought together leading experts and technical professionals to discuss the latest challenges and advancements in the animal feed industry. By 2050, Asia's urban population is projected to nearly double from 1.6 billion to 3 billion. This urbanization will significantly increase livestock production and animal protein consumption, particularly chicken, pork and aquaculture, driving a rise in livestock feed production. The events in Bali highlighted key topics relevant to the livestock and poultry feed industry, including modern animal nutrition technologies, precision nutrition through Artificial Intelligence, advancements in feed manufacturing and systems, biosecurity measures, disease management, and sustainable farming practices. Updates on industry threats, such as African Swine Fever, were presented, alongside strategies for regional recovery. These discussions underscored the need for industry-wide standards and the importance of continued collaboration to shape the future of feed and animal nutrition globally. Along with regional feed industry updates, attendees learned about the added value of soy products in animal feed and the advantages of U.S. Soy including its consistency, sustainability, reliability, quality and nutrient content – specifically its higher levels of digestible amino acids and metabolized energy. These qualities lead to better livestock performance, lower diet costs and superior value for soybean meal users. Discussions also highlighted the economic benefits of using U.S. Soy for optimized feed formulations,including lower carbon footprint for production of U.S. soybean meal compared to soybean meal from other originsTimothy Loh, Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania at USSEC, said, “These events enable USSEC to unite key stakeholders in the soybean value chain, fostering and expanding global collaboration. I am confident that together we can build a resilient, sustainable, and thriving U.S. Soy industry, ensuring access to high-quality protein and contributing to global food security.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2243/golden-agri-resources-supports-suppliers-of-palm-oil-products-in-aceh-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2243/golden-agri-resources-supports-suppliers-of-palm-oil-products-in-aceh-indonesia.html Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:03:25 +0530 Aims to achieve 100% No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) through the Supplier Transformation initiative Golden Agri-Resources Ltd’s supports suppliers of palm oil products and their derivatives in Aceh Province to achieve 100 percent No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) through the Supplier Transformation initiative. In 2023, GAR’s suppliers in Aceh achieved a 99.5 percent “Delivering” status using the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF). This is on track with the Company’s target to achieve 100 percent “Delivering” status for its global palm supply by the end of 2025. GAR is committed to supporting palm oil supply chain transformation and meeting global sustainability requirements. The Company’s next target is to help 10.000 independent oil palm farmers in Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, and West Kalimantan and realise a 100 percent deforestation-free supply chain globally by 2025. The Supplier Transformation initiative in Aceh includes outreach, discussions, workshops, and technical guidance to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain. The target audience of these initiatives is oil palm farmers, palm oil sales agents, and companies that own palm oil mills. Currently, 34 mills in Aceh contribute to GAR’s supply chain. The most recent Supplier Transformation initiative was a joint workshop in southern Aceh. GAR collaborates with Wilmar and Musim Mas, which also have supply sources in Aceh. This collaborative effort is the response of the three palm oil companies to overcome deforestation in southern Aceh, especially in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve area. By tracking the coordinates of palm oil mills, collecting data on agents and plantations, and closely monitoring land conversion, the Company demonstrates a solid approach to monitoring for deforestation and being able to offer a traceable supply chain. “Independent farmers are part of the Company’s supply chain and need to be supported to increase crop yields, gain market access, and reduce the risk of land conversion. In North Aceh Regency, Perkumpulan Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara (PSPN), a group consisting of 270 independent farmers, succeeded in obtaining Roundtable on Sustainability Palm Oil (RSPO) certification thanks to assistance from the Sawit Terampil programme,” he explained. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2167/indonesia-concludes-10th-world-water-forum-achieving-new-milestone-for-global-water-initiatives.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2167/indonesia-concludes-10th-world-water-forum-achieving-new-milestone-for-global-water-initiatives.html Tue, 28 May 2024 09:11:00 +0530 Ministerial declaration including, adaptation "World Lakes Day", "establishment of Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience", and the "inclusion of integrated management of water resources on small islands" were some major highlights of the forum Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Housing and Vice Chairman of the 10th World Water Forum, Basuki Hadimuljono, and World Water Council President, Loïc Fauchon, officially closed the 10th World Water Forum at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) Nusa Dua, Bali on Friday (5/24/2024).  Both were present when they handed the World Water Council flag to Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Water, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulaziz Al Shaiban. The 10th World Water Forum produced a ministerial declaration that set a clear direction amidst global challenges. Indonesia's proposal for World Lakes Day was adopted, as was the establishment of Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience, and the inclusion of integrated management of water resources on small islands. Various other initiatives also complement the United Nations Water Action Agenda. Loïc Fauchon saluted the ratification of a Ministerial Declaration with a compendium of concrete results and actions, comprising 113 clean water and sanitation projects worth $9.4 billion, and supported by 33 countries and 53 international organisations. Minister Basuki emphasized the importance of strengthening synergies among stakeholders and that the synthesis initiated at the ministerial meeting must be implemented for the benefit of society. On this occasion, the Minister also congratulated Iffah Rachmi, the coordinator of Youth Sanitation Concern, which was awarded the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2024. The 10th World Water Forum was attended by 64 thousand participants and visitors from 160 countries with 278 discussion sessions and 254 booths at the fair and exhibition. In addition, 200 members of parliament from 49 countries and a total of 150 representatives of local and regional authorities from 23 countries and 847 representatives of sub-regions were present. The 11th World Water Forum will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2023/indonesia-inaugurates-newly-revamped-gumbasa-irrigation-network.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/2023/indonesia-inaugurates-newly-revamped-gumbasa-irrigation-network.html Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:13:07 +0530 President Jokowi inaugurates the project in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province Indonesia has inaugurated its upgraded irrigation network in Gumbasa with a budget allocation of Rp 1.25 trillion. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on March 27th inaugurated the newly revamped Gumbasa Dam and Irrigation Network in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. “I hope that the reconstruction project of the Gumbasa irrigation area will improve our agricultural productivity, support food security, and improve the welfare of farmers,” the President said. The budget was used for the reconstruction of one dam, 35 kilometers of primary canal, 52 kilometers of secondary canal, 119 kilometers of tertiary canal, and 82 waste canals. The President further said that the infrastructure project will serve the area of 8,180 hectares of rice fields and improve the agricultural index from the 149% to 300%. “We must put our best foot forward to achieve food security and food sovereignty. We have revamped irrigation infrastructure, including dams and irrigation networks across the country, to ensure the availability of water for rice fields and for farmers to improve our agricultural productivity,” the President remarked. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1984/indonesia-to-enhance-irrigation-pump-utilization-for-rainfed-land.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1984/indonesia-to-enhance-irrigation-pump-utilization-for-rainfed-land.html Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:01:00 +0530 Allocates a budget of Rp5.8 trillion for the plan to aid farmers, especially rice cultivators The Government will enhance irrigation pump utilization for rainfed agricultural land to reduce impact of El Nino and improve productivity of agricultural land across the nation, according to Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman. “We are facing prolonged El Nino, particularly in the island of Java. We plan to use irrigation water pumps for 500,000 hectares in upland areas and rainfed areas in the island of Java, and 500,000 hectares outside the island of Java,” the Minister said after attending a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Presidential Palace. Amran said that the Government will provide a budget of Rp5.8 trillion for the plan. The Government will also provide free seeds to be distributed to farmers across the nation. Regarding the implementation of the policy to increase the subsidized fertilizer from 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons this year, Amran said that Ministry of Finance will soon issue the budget implementation list (DIPA). In the meantime, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo said that the Bapanas has submitted a proposal to extend the relaxation policy for the highest retail price (HET) of premium rice. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1953/indonesian-shrimp-industry-stakeholders-for-greater-competitiveness.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1953/indonesian-shrimp-industry-stakeholders-for-greater-competitiveness.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:18:43 +0530 Outlined key strategies for improved Shrimp productivity in 2024 JALA, an aquaculture technology company providing end-to-end shrimp farming solutions in Indonesia, held the Shrimp Outlook 2024 event in Surabaya. With 339 attendees with diverse backgrounds, from shrimp farmers, processing companies, aquaculture industry stakeholders, as well as fry and feed producers, the event discussesed Indonesia’s latest shrimp cultivation performance and outlined takeaways for improved productivity in 2024. Erwin Dwiyana, Marketing Director of the Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Product of Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the event amidst ongoing developments in the shrimp industry. Meanwhile, Aryo Wiryawan as Chairman of JALA in his opening remarks addressed the importance of collaboration to thrive in the global market. Haris Muhtadi, Chairman of the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), conveyed that the condition of the shrimp industry in Indonesia may not be favorable, but it is the challenges faced that make industry participants more united and cohesive. Indonesian shrimp industry report throughout 2023 During the main session, Liris Maduningtyas, co-founder and CEO of JALA, delivered an in-depth exposition about the evaluation of Indonesia’s shrimp industry performance in 2023 and insights for 2024. She stated, “The average productivity of shrimp farms is 12 tons/ha. To aim for better profitability, farmers are advised to cultivate shrimp for 70-80 days or 100-110 days.” Liris also emphasized the need to enhance local market absorption. This is crucial to safeguard local shrimp prices from significant fluctuations when the export market becomes unstable. Any efforts to increase production this year should go hand-in-hand with environmental control and data recording. Discussing new funding alternatives for shrimp farms Shrimp Outlook 2024 also discussed strategies to obtain funding for farmers through the first panel discussion, “The Next Level of Farm Financing”. This session explored innovative financing mechanisms for shrimp farmers to propel their business. The discussion featured George Samuel as the Advisor of PT Agro Bahari Nusantara Tbk (UDNG) and Susanto of BRI, moderated by Cynthia Darmawan. George and Susanto discussed the importance of regular data recording and creating financial reports for farmers who want to apply for bank or equity funding. Moreover, farmers are encouraged to be actively engaged in the continuous learning and decision-making processes in their own farm. Raising hope for shrimp market conditions in 2024 One of the greatest challenges for Indonesia’s shrimp industry is the impact of the fluctuating global market. The second panel discussion emphasized strategies in navigating the volatile global market dynamics through the theme, “Bouncing Back Stronger on the 2024 Shrimp Market”, featuring Gunawan Mulyono of AP5I and Ricky Leonardo of TreeDots, moderated by Lois Darminto. Delving into current shrimp market conditions, there is currently an oversupply of shrimp in the global market and increasing competition from countries such as Ecuador and China. Efforts to increase the competitiveness of Indonesia’s shrimp includes providing value-added and cooked shrimp products to achieve better selling prices. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1937/east-ventures-and-temasek-foundation-unveil-indonesias-largest-climate-tech-innovations-competition.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1937/east-ventures-and-temasek-foundation-unveil-indonesias-largest-climate-tech-innovations-competition.html Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:42:10 +0530 Three New Tracks for Second Edition of Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2024 East Ventures, a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital firm that has supported over 300 tech companies across Southeast Asia, and Temasek Foundation, a Singapore-based non-profit philanthropic organisation that supports sustainable development initiatives, are pleased to announce the second edition of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) 2024, Indonesia's largest climate tech innovations competition.  Following the success of the 2023 edition, CIIC 2024 continues to empower tech innovators to showcase their sustainable solutions. The applicants will compete for a total prize pool of Rp 10 billion to pilot their solutions in Indonesia to tackle various ecological challenges and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  “Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2023 has presented us with abundant enthusiasm and tangible impacts in the climate sector. We are excited to bring back this platform to support and foster climate innovations and ideas. As a strong believer in startup and digital ecosystems, we believe climate tech innovators are pivotal in creating solutions that address today's problems and pave the way toward a resilient and sustainable future. We invite all climate tech innovators in the region and partners to join us in making positive changes that benefit Indonesia and beyond,” said Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures. This year, CIIC 2024 focuses on three tracks, which include:   Energy Transition: New innovative ideas and solutions that drive the adoption of renewable energy and contribute to the reduction and removal of carbon emissions, to help communities and industries shift towards energy transition in a low-cost and inclusive manner.  Sustainable Agriculture: New innovative ideas and solutions that enhance food production (plant, cultivate, harvest, process), improve agricultural practices due to climate change, and nature-based solutions that involve sustainable and replicable business models that improve the livelihoods of farmers and food security while reducing soil degradation and carbon emissions. Circular Economy: New innovative ideas and solutions aimed at enhancing waste management processes and transforming waste into valuable materials, resources and energy, thereby reducing waste sent to landfill and for incineration as well as plastic pollution.  The CIIC was inaugurally launched in March 2023 and has been a driving force in fostering innovation and accelerating the development of sustainable solutions. Last year, the Challenge received over 330 applicants and concluded with the Grand Finale, which was part of the sideline event of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2023. CIIC 2023 awarded four winners, including AfterOil (Renewable Energy), Qarbotech (Food and Agriculture), BANIQL (Mobility), and Waste4Change (Ocean) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1935/sea6-energy-launches-worlds-first-large-scale-mechanized-tropical-seaweed-farm-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1935/sea6-energy-launches-worlds-first-large-scale-mechanized-tropical-seaweed-farm-in-indonesia.html Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:49:38 +0530 The one-square-kilometer seaweed farm marks a significant milestone in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation Sea6 Energy, a technology pioneer in the Blue Economy, has launched the world's first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off Ekas, on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The one-square-kilometer seaweed farm marks a significant milestone in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation for the production of large industrial applications such as biofertilizers, bioplastics, and the continued research and development of renewable chemicals and fuels. The challenges in harvesting tropical seaweed at- scale have been seen as a significant barrier to growth in the industry, and the key reason for limited research on the seaweed feedstock's applicability in large industrial applications. By automating various workflows of seaweed cultivation, from seeding to harvesting, and developing proprietary processing know-how that dramatically enhances the feedstock's shelf life, Sea6's vertically integrated state-of-the-art technology platform increases smallholder farmer productivity and firmly positions the oceans as the next frontier for scalable agriculture biomass for a sustainable planet.  Shrikumar Suryanarayan, Chairman, and Nelson Vadassery, CEO of Sea6 Energy demonstrate operations of the Company’s large-scale mechanized Seaweed Farm Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Industry as well as the Indian and UAE Ambassadors to Indonesia witnessed the launch. The dignitaries underscored the importance of this innovative project in promoting environmental stewardship and fostering economic growth in the region. Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste, added, "Largescale Seaweed cultivation project in Lombok is a shining example of India-Indonesia cooperation in blue economy. Sea6 Energy is a product of India's biotechnology innovation ecosystem. They are pioneers of seaweed cultivation and processing technologies globally. Greater investment in seaweed cultivation can meet the challenges of producing biodegradable industrial raw materials such as biofuels and bio plastics. Sea6's investments in Indonesia are creating local green jobs, developing skills, creating opportunities, and building a sustainable local economy. We are delighted that a company like Sea6 is committed to scaling up of seaweed cultivation and processing in Indonesia." Sea6's has attracted nearly $30 million of international investment over the past ten years, including Netherlands-based sustainable aquaculture fund Aqua-Spark, India's Tata Capital, BASF Venture Capital, Twin Towers Ventures, and Singapore-based family offices, Silverstrand Capital and Potato Impact Partners. In 2023, Temasek Foundation provided a grant to support the pilot of the automation and mechanization of the tropical seaweed farm in Ekas. Significance of Sea weed industry in SEA: In addition to its potential to be used as an input feedstock, seaweed is becoming more popular due to its potential to replace fossil fuels and land-based biomass that is increasingly in conflict with human food supply chains. Sea6's one-square-kilometer seaweed farm aims to  revolutionize the ocean economy by maximizing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the highest standards of product quality, safety, and traceability while creating employment opportunities for coastal communities.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1930/ifc-grants-64m-green-loan-to-boost-renewable-energy-in-thailand-indonesia-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1930/ifc-grants-64m-green-loan-to-boost-renewable-energy-in-thailand-indonesia-vietnam.html Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:36:00 +0530 A new investment through a green loan facility will help develop more renewable energy projects in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with International Finance Corporation (IFC)‘s $64 million to Sermsang Palang Ngan Company Limited (SPN) aiming to address the region’s growing energy demand. The financing package includes an IFC loan of up to $32 million and a parallel loan from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) for a similar amount. IFC’s funding will help SPN finance the acquisition, development, and construction of renewable projects—especially solar farms, solar rooftops, and biomass—in Thailand as well as in other ASEAN countries. IFC will also assist the company with a green finance framework as it expands its footprint in the East Asia and Pacific region. SPN currently owns a 52-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Lopburi province, north of Bangkok, which sells power to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under a non-firm power purchase agreement. “We are honored that IFC has supported us in developing projects which reflects our commitment to secure a future energy source for everyone, powering a better tomorrow with renewable energy investments in Asia” said Varut Tummavaranukub, Chief Executive Officer of Sermsang Power Corporation Public Company Limited (SSP) group, parent company of SPN. The energy sector is the largest emitting sector in ASEAN countries, accounting for 55 to 70% of total greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Despite significant potential for renewable energy, it currently represents less than 20 percent of the region’s energy supply. As a result, ASEAN countries are at risk of seeing an approximately 35 percent reduction of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050 due to climate change and natural hazards. A shift to renewable energy is therefore urgent. Cited the latest estimates, the statement noted that Asia’s overall power capacity is expected to see a steady increase in its capacity for renewables, reaching 63 percent in 2035. In Thailand, the government aims to ensure that renewables supply 34% of its energy consumption by 2037. The latest Power Development Plan, the solar capacity target has been revised from an earlier 6 GW to 15 GW by 2037. At the end of FY22, IFC’s committed energy portfolio amounted to $6.1 billion, with half of that attributable to renewable energy projects. Every year, IFC portfolio clients provide electricity to 100 million people around the world. IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. The organization works in more than 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the Impacts of global compounding crises. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1919/indonesia-increases-subsidized-fertilizer-to-9-55million-tons-in-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1919/indonesia-increases-subsidized-fertilizer-to-9-55million-tons-in-2024.html Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:39:14 +0530 Increase from earlier 4.7 million tons efeective from 2024 Feb budget Indonesia Government has decided to increase subsidized fertilizer from 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons for the 2024 budget allocation. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the increase will ease the burden of farmers by securing fertilizer supply for them. Thus, they can focus on increasing productivity to achieve food self-sufficiency. He added that the stock of rice will increase in upcoming months as we are entering harvest season. “We planted rice in more than one million hectares of land in December 2023 and January- February 2024. The yield is expected to exceed 3.5 million of tons in March, and exceed the people’s demand in April and May,” he said in a press statement at the Presidential Palace compound, Jakarta. Amran underscored that the Ministry will continue to make endeavor to reduce the impact of El Nino on the agricultural sector. “We accelerate planting by pumping water from rivers in the island of Java, such as Bengawan Solo River, Cimanuk River and so on. We pumped water from these rivers and channel it to irrigate paddy fields, rainfed paddy fields. That is the strategy to mitigate the risk of El Nino. The other one is optimizing swamp land [for farming] by enhancing IP (cropping index) from once to twice or thrice [a year],” he explained.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1910/indonesia-to-host-10th-world-water-forum.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1910/indonesia-to-host-10th-world-water-forum.html Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:56:26 +0530 The thematic process related to science from climate, water, food, energy, and health to unveil on May 18-24, 2024 Indonesia is set to host the 10th World Water Forum (WWF), which will take place in the resort island of Bali on May 18-24, 2024. According to Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati, the event will be attended by around 30,000 – 50,000 participants from around the world and Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian country to become the host. “There will be 244 sessions attended by approximately 30,000 – 50,000 participants. This is slightly bigger than the participants at the Conference of the Parties or COP,” Dwikorita said at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta. Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati According to her, this forum will feature three components of the thematic process, the regional process and the political process. “The thematic process is related to science from climate, water, food, energy, and health. It will also be discussed from the political point of view so that the results can be implemented in society. There will also be discussions on regional processes based on best practices in regions throughout the world so it is hoped that the output of these discussions will be easier to execute, turning into policies for countries,” she said. In this forum, Dwikorita added, Indonesia is also pushing for ministerial declarations regarding water resources, climate, food, energy, and health and is also encouraging the establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience. “After holding the 10th World Water Forum, Indonesia will coordinate the Center of Excellence. So, the alliance of centers that already exist in the Asia Pacific or in the world will coordinate with Indonesia. This is one of the goals that we aim to achieve,” she said. WWF is the largest international meeting involving stakeholders in the water resources sector, ranging from political leaders, governments, multilateral institutions, politicians, academics, civil society, business actors, and so on. The forum has been held every three years since 1997. The 10th WWF carries six main sub-themes, including water security and prosperity; water for humans and nature; disaster risk reduction and management; governance, cooperation, and hydro-diplomacy; sustainable water finance; and knowledge and innovation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1850/indonesian-and-western-australia-initiates-potential-agricultural-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1850/indonesian-and-western-australia-initiates-potential-agricultural-cooperation.html Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:03:04 +0530 Consulate General in Perth Introduces potential agricultural Cooperation between Indonesia at the Food Innovation Precinct WA The Indonesian Consulate General in Perth participated in a luncheon and local product introduction event hosted by the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA). The event was attended by various parties, including Members of Parliament from Murray-Wellington, representatives from the Peel Development Commission, and representatives from various business institutions such as the Australia China Business Council, Australia Indonesia Business Council, Australia Malaysia Business Chamber, Vietnam Business Council, Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Shire of Murray government. The event aimed to promote the Food Innovation Precinct WA (FIPWA) as the first agricultural innovation research centre in Western Australia, while celebrating the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration. FIPWA itself was inaugurated in February 2023 with a focus on the development of a strong and dynamic food and beverage manufacturing sector. In the field of agriculture, the Consulate General has initiated cooperation with FIPWA since 2022 by collaborating with SEAFAST IPB. This collaboration has then expanded into a regional cooperation involving New Zealand and Singapore, with the initiative planned to be officially inaugurated on February 23, 2024. In his address, the Indonesian Consul General expressed appreciation for the development of agricultural research relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Western Australia that are complementary and mutually reinforcing. It was emphasised that Western Australia, with its technological advantages, can provide significant support for the development of Indonesia's agricultural sector. On the other hand, Indonesia, with its growing startup sector, offers potential cooperation for businesses in Western Australia, not only in agriculture but also in agritourism. The importance of cultural understanding in business activities between Indonesia and Western Australia was also highlighted. This emphasises that sustainable cooperation should not only consider technical aspects but also cultural and social aspects. With this collaborative initiative, it is expected to create a strong partnership between Indonesia and Western Australia in facing global challenges in agriculture and food technology. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1832/singapore-bio-tech-company-bio-ark-partner-bandung-indonesia-to-expand-in-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1832/singapore-bio-tech-company-bio-ark-partner-bandung-indonesia-to-expand-in-southeast-asia.html Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:47:09 +0530 Embarks into establishing resilient agricultural economy in Bandung and Pemalang region; Launches first bio-organic fertiliser plant in Bandung Bio Ark Global, a Singapore bio-technology company, expands to Southeast Asia by signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Bandung Indonesia making significant strides in revolutionising agriculture and to providing solutions for global food security. In addtion, Bio Ark Global and the Pemalang government has inked a MoU granting Bio Ark Global with 4,000 hectares of land to launch a comprehensive corn cultivation venture. This will set the foundation for closed-loop food security solution. Under the MOU, 4,000 hectares of land for the initiative will be provided under a profit-sharing agreement underscoring the Pemalang government's confidence in Bio Ark Global's commitment to fostering mutual success and sustainability in the local agricultural sector. To redefining agriculture Bio Ark Global aims to collaborates with growers across continents and unites them in a global movement to cultivate better and provide safer food while restoring the health of the planet. "Regions such as Bandung and Pemalang possess untapped potential for sustainable agricultural growth." commented, Matthew Edward Loh founder of Bio Ark Global's interest in this particular region.  "The provincial governments have exhibited a praiseworthy proactive stance via their collaborations with Bio Ark Global's initiatives. They have strategically planned for the imminent phase of substantial advancements in the local agricultural sector, highlighting the resilience and strategic vision that defines Indonesia's multifaceted developmental landscape." Establishing a resilient agricultural ecosystem Indonesia is committed to sustainable development, aligned with the global shift towards responsible and eco-friendly practices.  Indonesia's agricultural industry makes up close to 15% of its GDP, providing diverse organic inputs to the global market, including palm products, spices, and other produce. Bio Ark Global recognises Indonesia's ability to sustainably grow crops for its rapidly growing economy is intricately intertwined with the well-being of its natural resources. Bio Ark Global aims to introduce to the local economy its bio-organic technology and agricultural inputs which are free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and contaminants. These products not only enhance the quality and quantity of crop yields, they also mitigate the effects of climate change on crop growth. Additionally, these fertilisers harness beneficial microbes that in the long term help to maintain soil fertility. Fostering ecological and economic sustainability: Bio Ark Global's strategies on a closed-loop and fully self-sufficient cycle, sourcing and producing all raw ingredients and fertilizers locally which eventually fosters ecological and economic sustainability. Addressing climate change threats, the unique strategy strives to implement best agricultural practices. In addition, Bio Ark Global seeks to actively reduce carbon emissions and absorb carbon from the environment, thus mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability as a force for positive change. Bio Ark Global Committee Members with Mansur Hidayat S.T., Regent of Pemalang In Bandung, a key partnership with the state-owned enterprise, BUMD PT Perdana Multi Sarana Bandung Barat (PMgS), based in West Bandung district, was officially formalised on 1st February 2024, where the executive team of Bio Ark Global, and Mr Deden Robby, Director of PMgS, inaugurated the very first bio-organic fertiliser plant in Bandung. More importantly, the partnership with PMgS heralds a new era of innovation for the agricultural industry in the region whilst fostering sustainable practices, to ensure that local and regional demands of food supply are met. Known historically as a major producer of agriculture, especially rice, Bandung has over 160,000 hectares of land dedicated to farming, of which over 35% is used for food crop. Bio Ark Global will also be collaborating with Pemalang local partner P.T. SGP Indo Fresh Produce, specialised in agricultural exports to ensure a seamless integration into the local agricultural ecosystem. Apart from corn cultivation, Bio Ark Global will also be conducting field trials on other export crops in collaboration with local farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1819/indonesia-implements-nap-for-sustainable-palm-oil-plantations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1819/indonesia-implements-nap-for-sustainable-palm-oil-plantations.html Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:43:00 +0530 Reviews Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations for 2019-2024. Indonesia's Cabinet Secretariats held a focus group discussion (FGD) on the review of the implementation of Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 6 of 2019 on the National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations (RAN KSB) 2019-2024. The first series of the discussion, which was held online, featured speakers such as Deputy for Investment to the Finance and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) Agustina Arumsari, Director of Food and Agriculture to the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Jarot Indarto, and academic and member of the expert team of North Sumatra Regional Implementation Team of the Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations (TPD RAP KSB) Diana Chalil. “This series of FGD is one of the Government’s efforts to work systematically within the framework of an evidence-based policy cycle to improve the new National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations policy instruments that we will push forward,” Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Economic Affairs Satya Bhakti Parikesit said in his remarks. Bhakti stated that palm oil is the main commodity supporting Indonesia’s plantation subsector, contributing significantly to the national economy. “Exports of palm oil and its derivatives amounted to $35.16 billion or 12.7% of total non-oil and gas exports in 2022. Palm oil also absorbs 16.2 million direct and indirect workers. And third, it creates the self-sufficiency of biodiesel renewable energy for domestic market, reaching 12.2 million kiloliters by 2023,” he said. Therefore, the Government continues to strive to improve the acceptance of Indonesian palm oil products in the global market. One of them is through the management of oil palm plantations that are becoming more environmentally friendly. “This directive became the basis for the issuance of Presidential Instruction Number 6 of 2019 on the Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations for 2019-2024. This is a manifestation of the President’s concrete commitment as well as a form of consolidation of national palm oil policies, programs, and activities that are scattered in various ministries and institutions at the central government level and in various regional apparatus organizations [OPDs] in palm oil-producing regional governments,” he said. However, Bhakti also admitted that towards the end of the implementation of the Presidential Instruction, the revamping of the national palm oil group system has not yet been completed. Therefore, strategy and commitment from all stakeholders are needed to ensure the sustainability of the policy implementation. Bhakti also expressed hope that the results of the FGD can provide reinforcement in formulating policy recommendations related to the completion of the implementation of the national action plan for the 2019-2024 period as well as the sustainability of the national action plan in the future. The FGD was attended by 85 participants consisting of employees and officials within Cabinet Secretariat and representatives from related ministries/institutions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1794/indonesia-tanzania-agree-to-strengthen-cooperation-in-various-agri-fishery-trade-sectors.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1794/indonesia-tanzania-agree-to-strengthen-cooperation-in-various-agri-fishery-trade-sectors.html Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:11:09 +0530 Two countries agreed to start negotiations on the formation of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2024. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania have agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, human resource development, and health. “The friendship between Indonesia and Tanzania is further strengthened today with President Samia’s visit to Indonesia. We have agreed to continue providing concrete cooperation in various fields,” said President Jokowi in a joint press statement with President of Tanzania Samia Suluh Hassan, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. In the trade sector, said the President, "the two countries agreed to start negotiations on the formation of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2024. A preferential trade agreement (PTA) will be formed to increase trade and the negotiations will be launched this year”. Regarding investment, the two countries are committed to strengthening cooperation in the oil and gas sector. President Jokowi said that the state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina had expanded cooperation in the Mnazi Bay oil and gas block and conducted training for employees of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). “In the future, Indonesia hopes that negotiations between Medco Energi for LNG cooperation and SSA (Sinka Sinye Agrotama) investment plans in the fertilizer sector can be realized soon. I have also conveyed the importance of establishing a bilateral investment treaty to protect investment between the two countries,” added President. In the field of development cooperation, President Jokowi said that Indonesia is committed to increasing cooperation in human resource capacity and implementing digital-based systems. “Indonesia is committed to increasing cooperation in revitalizing the Farmer’s Agriculture and Rural Training Center (FARTC) in Morogoro, training human resources in the oil and gas and agriculture sectors, and implementing the National Single System,” he said. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1900/indonesia-vietnam-agree-to-promote-agri-fishery-cooperation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1900/indonesia-vietnam-agree-to-promote-agri-fishery-cooperation.html Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:48:00 +0530 President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (01/12) met with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Võ Văn Thưởng for a bilateral meeting at Vietnam’s Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam. According to the President during the press statement after the meeting, the meeting has resulted in cooperation agreement between the two countries, with measures to boost new bilateral trade targets being one of them. President Jokowi also said he welcomed more investment between the two countries, large companies, and unicorns from Indonesia which have invested significantly in Vietnam. “I am confident they will be given ease and secure protection and I would like to invite Vietnamese companies to strengthen their investment in Indonesia,” the President said, adding that Indonesia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen the cooperation on food security in both agriculture and fisheries fields. “We have come to an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture and fisheries; thus. the MoU on fisheries cooperation is a great momentum to encourage collaboration and investment in this sector,” he added. The Head of State also lauded the collaboration on information and communication technology that will advance digital industry and cooperation between the two countries on electric vehicle, battery, and energy transition. “I welcome the investment commitment of VinFast to build an electric vehicle and battery ecosystem in Indonesia. We also agreed to advance cooperation in the fields of energy transition and digital economy to bring prosperity for the people and the region,” the President stated. Indonesia and Vietnam, the President added, are also committed to maintaining stability and economic growth of the region through the concrete implementation of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the support to the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1729/australia-equips-indonesia-with-1m-dose-lumpy-skin-disease-lsd-vaccines.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1729/australia-equips-indonesia-with-1m-dose-lumpy-skin-disease-lsd-vaccines.html Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:28:41 +0530 LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia A million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine have been provided by Australia to Indonesia, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024. The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late Dec 2023. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority. “LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our neighbours. As a result, it is imperative that we do everything we can to support Indonesia as they work to get this outbreak under control. Over the course of this year, we have supplied 1 million vaccines to our neighbours in Indonesia – vaccines that are now finding their way into Indonesia’s cattle population and protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Previous shipments have already been supplied to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture” said Minister Watt. Minister Watt further added LSD is spread by mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks, and severely affects cattle and water buffalo. It affects milk production and produces sores all over the bodies of infected animals. It can also seriously hamper trade. I must stress that Australia has never experienced an outbreak of LSD and remains free from this disease. It’s important that we work together with our neighbours to get this disease under control, while also taking steps to make sure we keep Australia safe and LSD-free.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1696/indonesian-agritech-semaai-raises-4-7m-to-expand-agronomy-strength.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1696/indonesian-agritech-semaai-raises-4-7m-to-expand-agronomy-strength.html Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:15:00 +0530 The funds will be channeled into expanding its agronomy service, collaborating with fintech institutions, and expanding the startup's presence in Central Java Semaai, provider of digital agritech solutions for Indonesian farmers and agri-retailers has raised $4.7 million (approx IDR 73 billion) in a mix of equity and debt financing. CyberAgent Capital led this investment round with participation from new investors, namely Sumitomo Corporation Equity Asia, Ruvento, MyAsiaVC and Heracles Ventures. Semaai's existing investors, Peak XV's Surge, Accion Venture Lab and Beenext, also participated in the round. Semaai's total funding has now reached $7.6 million (approx IDR 118 billion) with this latest round. In the last 12 months, the net revenue has increased by more than fifteen-fold (>15x), and its Toko Tani marketplace user base has doubled (2x). Furthermore, its advisory feature has witnessed an eightfold (8x) increase in adoption in the last six months and is used by most of Semaai's active users. Semaai plans to deploy the new funds to expand its agronomy advisory service to agri-retailers and farmers, collaborate with fintech institutions to provide advanced fintech solutions and strengthen its presence in Central Java. There are more than 8,2001 villages in the region, and Semaai plans to cover 75% of these villages by the end of 2024. "With the new funding, our company will collaborate with financial institutions and fintech providers to expand our embedded fintech solutions, having already doubled Semaai's total transaction volume in the last twelve months. This is part of our goal to provide an integrated digital ecosystem that addresses disruptions in the supply chain and fills knowledge gaps for Indonesia's agri-retailers and smallholder farmers," said Muhammad Yoga Anindito, Co-founder and CEO of Semaai. "Agriculture is the third largest contributor to the overall GDP in Indonesia. This certainly shows that the sector has massive opportunities, but unfortunately, it has been run traditionally without significant exposure to any digital adoption. As a result, productivity gains and development opportunities are left untapped. With the founding team's long experience in the agriculture sector, we are confident that Semaai will revolutionise the Indonesian agricultural sector through its offline-to-online approach, especially within the agricultural input material supply chain," said Kevin Wijaya, CyberAgent Capital, Director of CyberAgent Indonesia Office. Indonesia's agricultural sector, together with forestry and fisheries, grew 1.46% on a yearly basis and 1.61% on a quarterly basis. Badan Pusat Statistik 2023 data shows that the agricultural sector contributed IDR 397,291.202 billion to Indonesia's GDP or 12.71% of the total GDP. Despite being one of the most significant contributors to the national economy, Indonesia's agricultural sector still faces several challenges, such as limited access to financing, long supply chains, and low technology adoption. To tackle the challenge, Semaai provides three essential services widely utilised by farmers and agri-retailers, namely: B2B digital marketplace for agricultural inputs such as seed and fertilisers Agronomy advisory services to improve their farming practices Financial services in partnership with financial institutions and fintech providers. Semaai's agronomy advisory service, which was launched in 2024 gives access to a wide range of educational content, neatly organised by crop type, focused on crop-related pests and diseases. The content aids users in thoroughly understanding the complexities of crop issues and empowers them to prepare to mitigate and address future problems. Users are then recommended products from Semaai's marketplace platform, culminating in hassle-free doorstep delivery. The unique blend of commerce and logistics incorporated into Semaai's advisory service is set to bring substantial value and benefits to agri-retailers and farmers utilising the feature. Singapore is establishing global network of scientists and seed and field experts understand local, national and international requirements, and supports during all phases of the product development cycle. Singapore national policies supporting Sustainable agriculture using state-of-the-art technology, crop management solutions and digital tools, provides accurate results and supports you with technical competence. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1670/nutricell-joins-indonesias-ministry-of-agriculture-in-a-landmark-trade-mission-to-japan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1670/nutricell-joins-indonesias-ministry-of-agriculture-in-a-landmark-trade-mission-to-japan.html Fri, 29 Dec 2023 08:22:24 +0530 Nutricell, a pioneering company in the field of nutritional science and technology, has participated in the Trade Mission led by The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, in December 2023. This esteemed delegation aimed to foster bilateral relations and explore new technological advancements in various sectors. Nutricell played a crucial role in these discussions, sharing its expertise and innovations with key Japanese institutions and industry leaders. The trade mission concluded with Nutricell securing new trade commitments with renowned Japanese companies such as Sari Raya and Sky Global. This venture will enhance the presence of Nutricell’s innovative plant-based meat technology in the Japanese market, which is witnessing rapid growth. Engagement with Fuji Film Research Center A significant part of the mission involved Nutricell’s engagement with the Fuji Film Research Center. These discussions centered around the latest advancements in photography, medical devices, cosmetics, and food technology. Nutricell showcased its groundbreaking texturing technology for plant-based meat, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and innovative food solutions. Collaboration with Japan Nutrition Company (JNC) Furthering its collaborative efforts, Nutricell engaged in a fruitful dialogue with its partner in Japan, the Japan Nutrition Company (JNC). The discussions revolved around yeast technology and nutrition lipid, highlighting Nutricell’s expertise in developing nutrition products from palm oil derivatives. These innovations include the creation of fat powder through calcium soap technology, hydrolysis processes, and the utilization of specific fatty acids for bypass coating of essential nutrients. In alignment with its vision for sustainable development, Nutricell and the MoA team visited AEON, Japan’s leading modern retail market based in Chiba. Nutricell shared insights on the market development of pet care products, especially in mature markets like Japan. AEON’s commitment to developing a new standard in the modern retail industry that supports both people and the environment aligns closely with Nutricell’s mission. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1654/adm-strengthens-animal-nutrition-capabilities-in-indonesia-with-acquisition-of-pt-trouw.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1654/adm-strengthens-animal-nutrition-capabilities-in-indonesia-with-acquisition-of-pt-trouw.html Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:20:18 +0530 The acquisition encompasses two premix production facilities—known as the Pasuruan site in Surabaya and the Cibitung site in Jakarta—as well as laboratories, warehouses and offices across Indonesia ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia, a subsidiary of Nutreco and a leading provider of functional and nutritional solutions for livestock farming in Indonesia.  Incorporated in 2007, PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia is a leading premix manufacturer, providing innovative and comprehensive nutrition solutions for the animal industry. Their premix production facilities feature full automation solutions with intelligent process optimization, and they are industry 4.0-ready with professional project management and execution.  With the planned acquisition, ADM will be strengthening its premix and feed additives & ingredients (FA&I) business and strategically positioning itself to meet the anticipated market growth to sustain the rising demand for protein. The acquisition encompasses two premix production facilities—known as the Pasuruan site in Surabaya and the Cibitung site in Jakarta—as well as laboratories, warehouses and offices across Indonesia.  "This acquisition will complement our regional footprint and will represent a step forward in achieving our vision of leading the animal nutrition industry," said Gerald Wilflingseder, president of ADM's animal nutrition business in APAC. "It will enable us to enhance our premix production capabilities, ensuring that we are strongly positioned to provide localised solutions and customised services swiftly to customers in Indonesia and the broader region. We believe this move will not only enhance ADM as a major player in premixes and FA&I in Indonesia but also reinforce our reputation as the preferred partner for customers looking for full animal nutrition solutions offerings."  Once the acquisition is complete, ADM will integrate PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia into its wider footprint in Indonesia, creating new opportunities to broaden the portfolio of products and solutions offered to customers. In addition, Dr Pierre Domps, general manager of Animal Nutrition Indonesia at ADM, commented, "Our commitment extends beyond products and solutions; we strive to provide a spectrum of services. We will provide customised solutions and services backed by international technical expertise and support from our lab services. This approach ensures comprehensive support for local production, enabling a tailored strategy to meet the unique market demands in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region."  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1636/seas-largest-aquaculture-tech-company-explores-india-market-to-expand-global-foothold.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1636/seas-largest-aquaculture-tech-company-explores-india-market-to-expand-global-foothold.html Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:59:51 +0530 Indonesia's eFishery's entry into the Indian market includes an expansive reach with over 1,000 acres of ponds Southeast Asia's leading aquaculture company, eFishery, announced the completion of its commercial pilot in India, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion journey. The Indonesia-headquartered firm kicked off the pilot project in March of this year, successfully acquiring over 1,000 acres of ponds under contract and distributing more than 3,000 metric tons of feed. This achievement brings the firm closer to expanding its footprint to five new Indian states by the end of 2024. The pilot project also signals a broader expansion beyond Southeast Asia with a deliberate, one-country-at-a-time approach for sustainability and impact assessment. Beyond India, eFishery is eyeing opportunities for one or two countries in Asia and Latin America within a year while continuing to export shrimp products overseas. The company's global expansion strategy also focuses on tapping into diverse markets, offering a comprehensive ecosystem to farmers, and creating a "Digital Co-Op" model that provides access to high-quality inputs, IoT technologies, production SOPs, and guaranteed market off-take, ultimately empowering farmers and unlocking their true potential. eFishery CEO and co-founder Gibran Huzaifah explained that India is a key part of eFishery's overall growth strategy, which also includes expanding the company footprint in Indonesia and growing in export markets, "Beginning with the Indian pilot project, I take pride in our global impact, unlocking the potential of aquaculture worldwide through Indonesian-made technology, resulting in a remarkable average two to three-fold increase in farmers' profit. We recognize the potential and value of tapping into the Indian aquaculture market, which mirrors the size and structure of the Indonesian market, both dominated by small and medium farmers. By supporting them as partners, these key contributors to local and regional food security help ensure a sustainable and accessible source of protein for global communities." India's aquaculture industry, valued at over $15 billion, has grown at an impressive >8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the last three decades. Despite its vast potential, small and medium farmers in India grapple with challenges such as poor market linkage, inconsistent and non-beneficial pricing schemes, delayed payment terms, and a lack of basic farm management information, protocols, technology, and innovation. Addressing these challenges, eFishery steps in to empower farmers to make informed, data-driven decisions promptly. The focus is on refining farm operations, optimising cultivation practices, and enhancing overall yield. Neil Wendover, eFishery's International Expansion Lead, highlighted the company's commitment to enhancing farmers' profitability in every market it enters, "Our objectives are centred on solving problems for the farmers and improving profitability through heightened productivity and efficiency. Rather than dividing the aquaculture pie, we are essentially doubling the size." Commencing its operations in Andhra Pradesh, an Indian state contributing to 35% of the country's total aquaculture production, eFishery has conducted a thorough market and strategy assessment. Wendover continues, "We have grown a dedicated Indian team to 50 employees with strong local leadership in place. This, together with collaborations with government entities and input suppliers, is also instrumental in navigating the unique challenges of the Indian aquaculture sector, which remains a fragmented but vast and exciting market. I am pleased that our strategic efforts have paid off, and we are on track to achieve a 10x growth, aligning with our international expansion business objective." "My collaboration with the eFishery has been a game-changer for my small farm. Their innovative solutions and support have improved efficiency and enhanced the overall sustainability of my aquaculture operations. eFishery's continuous aid ensures a successful harvest, preventing the need for a panic harvest due to financial constraints," shared Ch. Veera Nageswar Rao is a fish farmer from Kakinada District and an e-fishery partner. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1572/gar-unleash-first-rspo-certification-for-smallholders-under-sawit-terampil-programme.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1572/gar-unleash-first-rspo-certification-for-smallholders-under-sawit-terampil-programme.html Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:04:05 +0530 Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), a leading global agribusiness and palm oil producer, is pleased to announce that the first association of independent farmers under its Sawit Terampil programme has achieved Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to enhance supply chain transformation and promote sustainable palm oil practices among smallholders. The Perkumpulan Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara (PSPN) a group of 270 smallholder farmers based in North Aceh, is the first smallholder collective under the Sawit Terampil programme to receive RSPO certification. The certification was presented at the RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference on Sustainable Palm Oil (RT2023), taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia from 20-22 November. RSPO Certification assists smallholders in increasing yields, gaining access to international certified sustainable palm oil markets, improving their livelihoods, and lowering the risk of land conversion. The Sawit Terampil programme is a comprehensive capacity-building programme designed to provide independent smallholders with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their productivity and sustainability practices that will improve their livelihoods. It empowers smallholders through group coaching and individual guidance to help them implement good agricultural practices (GAP) and manage their plantation sustainably. “The RSPO certification of Perkumpulan Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara is a testament to the success of the Sawit Terampil programme and our commitment to supporting independent smallholders in Indonesia. We are proud to have played a role in helping these farmers achieve this important milestone, and we remain dedicated to working with them to further enhance their sustainability practices and improve their livelihoods,” said Helena Lumban Gaol, Head of Smallholders Innovation Department, GAR. RSPO certification is a globally recognised standard that demonstrates that palm oil has been produced in a sustainable and responsible manner. Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, Head of Smallholders, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), said, “RSPO certification is a critical step towards sustainability in the palm oil industry. It not only aligns with global sustainability standards but also enhances market access and competitiveness for smallholders. We commend GAR’s commitment and dedication to sustainable practices through their Sawit Terampil programme. We encourage all palm oil sector players to continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the sector towards a more sustainable future.” Sudikan, Head of Cooperative at Perkumpulan Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara, North Aceh, expressed, “On behalf of my association, I would like to express our appreciation for being able to get RSPO certification after being trained through the Sawit Terampil programme. This recognition motivates us to continue implementing sustainable practices that not only benefit our farms but also contribute to a more sustainable palm oil industry.” Smallholders are key to the broader supply chain transformation Smallholders play a significant part in the palm oil supply chain in Indonesia. The country is home to 16.38 million hectares (ha) of palm oil plantations. More than 40 per cent of Indonesia’s palm oil plantations, or 4.5 million hectares, are managed by more than 2.7 million independent smallholders, making this group an essential engine driving change in line with the goals of global accords such as the Agriculture Sector Roadmap to 1.5oC and the transformation of the global supply chain to meet global requirements, such as complying with European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). Fauzan Kurniawan, Head of Supplier Transformation, GAR said, “While we celebrate the accomplishments of the 270 farmers who earned certification, it is vital to note that this is just the beginning. We will be supporting more smallholders to become certification-ready in the future.” Looking ahead, GAR remains committed to expanding the Sawit Terampil programme. The company aims to scale up the initiative to reach a total of 10,000 smallholders trained at Subulussalam and Singkil Aceh, Langkat North Sumatera, Riau and West Kalimantan by 2025. This expansion aligns with the company’s mission to foster supply chain transformation and meet global sustainability requirements. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1566/basf-the-estee-lauder-companies-rspo-and-solidaridad-boost-sustainable-palm-oil-production-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1566/basf-the-estee-lauder-companies-rspo-and-solidaridad-boost-sustainable-palm-oil-production-in-indonesia.html Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:43:02 +0530 Through Project Lampung, a collaborative sustainability initiative, Solidaridad, BASF, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), and The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) have made real progress strengthening the sustainable palm oil supply chain and supporting smallholder farmers. Since its launch in 2018, Project Lampung has provided technical education and training to 1,003 independent palm oil smallholders and helped 313 farmers receive official RSPO certification, the first such group in the Way Kanan Regency. “Primary objectives of Project Lampung, to have nearly one-third of the supported smallholder farmers achieve certification according to the Smallholder Standard of RSPO within three years in collaboration with the Indonesian government.” said Marcelo Lu, BASF Care Chemicals, Senior Vice President. This is the very first project in Way Kanan aimed at enhancing the capacity of palm oil smallholders. Before the intervention, the smallholders had limited exposure to sustainable palm oil production practices, and the cooperative did not have a strategic focus on supporting smallholders. Through a program of continuous education, these independent palm oil farmers have improved their knowledge on sustainable production, including, for example, an awareness about the importance of planting certified seedlings. The project ensured access to certified seedlings in order to support these farmers in improving productivity. “This project has proven to be pivotal in sparking sustainable production of palm oil in the Way Kanan district. At the heart of this project are the small palm oil farmers themselves. It is only they who can transform the palm oil supply chain and we were happy to assist them with the technical support and knowledge needed to adopt climate smart production practices.” stated Yeni Fitriyanti, Country Manager for Solidaridad Indonesia. “Apart from the benefit of increased sustainable palm oil production, small farmers in Way Kanan are now able to advocate for their own interests in the supply chain.” With the support of a strengthened cooperative the project partners worked with the Indonesian government and other local organizations to conduct a Social Impact Assessment and an Environmental Impact Assessment. They also mapped farmers' fields and uploaded all relevant data to the RSPO database to verify that no deforestation or land conversion had taken place. Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain, The Estée Lauder Companies. “We are proud to collaborate with smallholder farmers and our partners at BASF, RSPO and Solidaridad to strengthen sustainability in palm oil supply chains.” To further the impact of this project, ELC purchased 220 RSPO credits from these newly certified farmers in the Lampung region. These credits will help further fuel local farmers’ incomes and livelihoods while supporting ELC’s commitments to source its palm-based ingredients responsibly. Since 2015, 100% of the palm-based ingredients* ELC sourced by ELC are certified under one of RSPO’s certification types. “We are encouraged by this certification milestone that demonstrates the impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and the Indonesian government in strengthening the smallholders in Lampung and ensuring their inclusion in sustainable supply chains,” stated Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, Head of Smallholder RSPO Indonesia. “Through the RSSF (RSPO Smallholder Support Fund) and the Shared Responsibility of our Members, we look forward to enabling more smallholder groups to achieve certification and realize our vision to make palm oil sustainable. While the project was originally anticipated to take three years, it ended up taking five due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The collaboration evolved during that time to help accommodate shifting priorities for the farmers and best support them during this challenging period. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1553/indonesian-shrimp-farm-kse-earns-asc-certification.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1553/indonesian-shrimp-farm-kse-earns-asc-certification.html Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:08:07 +0530 An Indonesian shrimp farm—PT. Koyo Segoro Endah (KSE) —has become the first farm to earn ASC certification after participating in an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).   ASC’s Improver Programme supports seafood farms that are committed to improving their farming practices through an AIP and are not yet ready or eligible for ASC certification.   “Our ASC certification means that we now have a place in the global marketplace and are meeting the demand for responsibly farmed shrimp—a milestone we couldn’t have reached without ASC’s Improver Programme” said Rudyanto, Farm Manager of KSE.   KSE’s journey to ASC certification has been an effort of multiple partners, including processor Sekar Bumi, NGO ThinkAqua, ASC and NGO Yayasan Sinergi Akuakultur Indonesia (YSAI) as implementer for the AIP.   ASC already drives and supports improvements in seafood farming at scale across the world through its certification programme. For those not ASC certified, the Improver Programme by ASC has been created to support farms who are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices through an AIP. The combined impact of these many small changes in non-certified seafood farming contribute to ASC’s goal of transforming seafood farming, as a whole, for the future.   With the programme’s initial focus on shrimp farms, additional species will be eligible in the future.   When an AIP joins ASC’s Improver Programme, it is supported along one of two routes: AIP to ASC certification or AIP to Better Practices. Through the first route, ASC supports the farm to improve performance to a level at which it is ready to become ASC certified. Through the second route, ASC supports the farm to improve their practices in specific environmental or social areas without ASC certification as the end-goal.  "Our mission at ASC is to drive the transformation of global aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, but making improvements in that direction hasn’t been possible for many farms,” said Roy van Daatselaar, global lead for the Improver Programme by ASC. “Our Improver Programme gives these farms a well-supported, staged approach to make improvements and ultimately attain ASC certification. KSE’s certification is evidence that step-by-step improvement works, and we extend a big congratulations to them on the great work they have done. As a quality supplier to global markets, we know that there is increasing demand for ASC certified shrimp. The AIP process gave us a pipeline to supply that demand,” said Pak Gary Iyawan, Operations Director at Sekar Bumi. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1504/first-locally-produced-organic-cheese-is-launched-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1504/first-locally-produced-organic-cheese-is-launched-in-indonesia.html Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:25:47 +0530 Mazaraat Artisan Cheese production to produce the country's first organic cheese at its newly established manufacturing facility in Malang The Indonasia cheese project brings together Denmark's agricultural expertise with local Indonesian partners to showcase the opportunities within organic dairy farming in Indonesia. Mazaraat Artisan Cheese processes the certified organic milk from the KPSP cooperative at its newly established manufacturing facility in Malang to produce the country's first organic cheese. A milestone for the dairy sector in this country with a population of 273 million is the launch of the first Indonesian organic cheese production lines in August 2023. In order to increase the efficiency of dairy farming and unlock the potential of organic production in Indonesia, Danida-funded Mazaraat Artisan Cheese has produced the cheese. Initially, the project focused on capacity building and supporting local farmers in the dairy cooperative KPSP as they transitioned from conventional to organic farming. An Indonesian certification body LeSOS, Bina Swadaya, and the cooperative worked together to complete the project with the assistance of Danish company SEGES Innovation and ICOEL. "Converting the first smallholder farms in Indonesia, with only 3-5 cows, from conventional to certified organic dairy production represents a significant step forward. The Indonesian organic standards have to reflect the local context where many of the farms are located in villages, and without fields surrounding the barns. But we have outlined the basics of organic milk production in terms of animal welfare, feed and concentrate production. This achievement is a result of a great partnership with KPSP and Bina Swadaya as well as from numerous stakeholders all along the dairy value chain," says Lisbeth Hendricksen, director of innovation from SEGES Innovation. by end of 2023, Indonesian dairy consumption is expected to grow by 6%, and 80% of it is imported, indicating a local desire to make dairy production more efficient. In addition, the Indonesian government has set specific targets for organic food production, aiming to increase it from 2% to 20% by 2024. The Danish food cluster has a long and celebrated tradition of producing organic dairy of the highest quality. In this project, we are combining the expertise and data acquired over decades with local players bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and market knowledge to the benefit of the whole Indonesian dairy sector," says International Chief Consultant at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Jeppe Søndergaard Pedersen. The milk volume is set to increase to 250 litres per day by the end of the year and to 6000 litres per day by 2026 from the current 60 litres. With its experience working with both organic and artisanal cheese categories, Arla Foods, the world's largest organic dairy producer, contributes advanced processing expertise and go-to-market support. An official partnership was formed following research trips to Denmark in 2018 and 2019, in which representatives of the Indonesian government and KPSP farmers gained insights about organic dairy production. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1501/vietnam-to-sign-rice-trade-deals-with-indonesia-philippines.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1501/vietnam-to-sign-rice-trade-deals-with-indonesia-philippines.html Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:01:58 +0530 Vietnam exported 2.4 million tons of the grain worth nearly $1.5 billion to the Philippines in the FY2023 representing a 20% increase year-on-year Vietnam is set to sign rice export agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines. During separate meetings with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that relevant ministries and sectors would be encouraged to speed up the signing.  The Philippines is Vietnam's biggest rice market, and has started importing again after nearly a month’s suspension due to its imposition of domestic price caps. On October 4, the Philippines lifted the ceiling prices for conventionally milled and well-milled rice varieties. In the first nine months of this year, Vietnam exported 2.4 million tons of the grain worth nearly $1.5 billion to the Philippines, the latter representing a 20% increase year-on-year. Earlier this year Indonesia invited bids for supplying 500,000 tons of rice, including from Vietnam. It imported 871,000 tons from Vietnam in the first nine months, 16 times the volume in the same period last year. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shows Vietnam earned nearly $3.7 billion from rice exports in the first nine months, up 40.4%. The average rice price was 14% up at $553 per ton, occasionally climbing to nearly $650. Besides rice, Chinh and Marcos also agreed that the two countries should create favorable conditions for increased bilateral trade to soon take it to $10 billion. Chinh and Widodo promised to increase trade in agricultural products and promote early ratification of an agreement between the two governments for delimitation of their exclusive economic zones ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1469/indonesia-to-import-250000-tons-corn-to-stabilize-price-of-corn-for-animal-feed.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1469/indonesia-to-import-250000-tons-corn-to-stabilize-price-of-corn-for-animal-feed.html Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:58:05 +0530 Trade minister Zulkifli briefed on the food commodities price stability, particularly the prices of corn, sugar, and rice Indonasia’s Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said that the Government would import corn to stabilize the price of corn for animal feed that has been on the rise. Zulkifli attended a meeting on food commodities price stability, particularly the prices of corn, sugar, and rice on 9 Oct at Merdeka Palace. “The price of corn for animal feed is increasing significantly. Therefore, we decided to increase the supply by importing 250,000 tons of corn for industry. The imported corn is only for industry, animal feed, not for human consumption” siad Zulkifli. Regarding rice supply, the Minister explained that Indonesia has sufficient supply; however, he acknowledged that although the price of rice in general has not increased, the price at some places have not dropped yet. He added that to anticipate the impact of El Niño the Government is also collaborating with several countries for rice supply if needed. “We have sufficient rice supply. However, the price of rice in remote areas has not dropped yet, but has not increased as well. The Government has decided to buy more rice though the rice won’t necessarily be brought here later. So, if the stock is ready, we will buy rice. At the required time, we will import rice,” he explained. On the price of sugar, Zulkifli pointed out that the price has been increasing due to the lack of sugar supply from abroad to cover shortage of domestic supply. “Sugar importers have just imported sugar for 30%. Therefore, an import agreement must be issued. Commodity balance must be set, calculated, and recommended by the industry because we have checked that based on those import agreement and commodity balance, import realization is more or less than 30%,” Zulkifli added. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1466/australia-indonesia-strive-into-oral-rabies-vaccination-trial-for-dogs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1466/australia-indonesia-strive-into-oral-rabies-vaccination-trial-for-dogs.html Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:04:41 +0530 FAO, ECTAD, AIHSP and Ceva Sante Animale – a global animal health company collaborates with Indonesia on a field trial Recent studies conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), together with the Australia-Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP), Ceva Sante Animale – a global animal health company, and the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, have revealed the effectiveness of implementing oral rabies vaccination in Bali, Indonesia. The studies have become a critical finding in rabies prevention and elimination for the country. Using specific food-baits and an internationally recognized oral vaccine for dogs to fight the deadly disease Two pilot areas in Bali, Karangasem and Buleleng districts, were chosen to provide in-depth insights into the acceptance of various bait types, the effectiveness and people contact-risks of oral vaccine and the estimated success of oral rabies vaccination under different geographic and demographic circumstances. By conducting bait trials, the study identified the high effectiveness of the locally made Bali cattle intestine bait and industrially produced egg bait in releasing the vaccine into oral cavity compared to machine-made fishmeal-based bait. Under field conditions in Indonesia, the immunogenicity study revealed no significant quantitative difference in the level of antibodies between orally and parenterally vaccinated dogs. It underlined the advantages of oral rabies vaccination compared with the traditional method of capture-vaccinate-release (CVR), which was used for several years to reduce human contact risk and safeguard people’s health without compromising vaccination coverage. Studies also recommended that oral rabies vaccination can be used to replace the parenteral vaccination method using nets by targeting free-roaming dogs. These studies also paved the way for the widespread adoption of oral rabies vaccination as a cost-effective and efficient approach to reaching free-roaming dogs. FAO has been working closely with the Indonesian Government to reduce the impact of threats arising from animals, including rabies, by developing healthy, resilient and sustainable animal health systems using One Health approach. By facilitating capacity building activities and providing technical support to the government, FAO has substantially contributed to optimizing rabies vaccination strategies, raising public awareness of rabies prevention and control, and protecting lives and livelihoods of people in Indonesia, thanks to generous funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “By embracing oral rabies vaccination alongside other rabies control measures, Indonesia moves further to achieve its eventual goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. FAO is committed to support the government towards eliminating rabies and protecting lives and livelihoods of the people” said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1406/adm-joins-gar-and-tzu-chi-indonesia-to-accelerate-progress-in-indonesias-rural-economies.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1406/adm-joins-gar-and-tzu-chi-indonesia-to-accelerate-progress-in-indonesias-rural-economies.html Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:55:10 +0530 The expansion programme will enhance access to childcare and promote sustainable rural entrepreneurship in Indonesia's Riau province Three regencies in Indonesia's Riau province will benefit from enhanced funding for rural development programmes, following an agreement signed today by humanitarian organisation Tzu Chi Indonesia, agribusiness Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), and nutrition company ADM. A new Community Learning Centre in Riau will provide education on integrated sustainable farming to encourage community entrepreneurship Funded by a grant from ADM Cares, the social investment programme of ADM, the one-year agreement will implement two projects targeting communities within GAR and ADM's supply chain. This partnership will expand GAR and Tzu Chi Indonesia's existing childcare and sustainable agriculture education initiatives around GAR's palm plantations in Riau. Following the announcement, witnessed by participants from all three parties in Jakarta, Alexander Otten, Managing Director, Global Trade Asia at ADM said, "We're proud to embark on this partnership which combines ADM and GAR's shared supply chain and extensive network of farmers in Riau with Tzu Chi Indonesia's grassroots expertise to enhance the resilience of rural communities in the country. Through ADM Cares and with the support of GAR and Tzu Chi Indonesia, we aim to empower our local communities by providing them with the necessary support, knowledge, and skills to drive economic change and improve the quality of life in Riau." Enhancing Access to Childcare in Rural Communities Studies show that a lack of accessible childcare is a key constraint to women working outside the home. Increasing women's participation in the workforce from around 53 to 58 per cent, in line with Indonesia's G20 commitments, has the potential to add US$62 billion to the country's economy and grow GDP by 0.7 per cent, according to the World Bank. GAR operates more than 300 Child Care Centres or Balai Penitipan Anak (BPAs) across its Indonesian operations. Through this programme, 60 full-time caregivers at 35 BPAs in Riau will receive tailored training in childcare and early years education, alongside upgrades to facilities and classroom equipment. Community Learning Centres The second project stream will build on GAR's network of Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in West Kalimantan and Riau to support rural communities in developing alternative income streams. The partnership will establish one new CLC to educate more than 180 farming families in Riau on sustainable agriculture systems. The CLC will also support participants to monetise these skills by establishing Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and community-owned businesses. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1389/indonesia-and-korea-embarks-into-smart-farming-by-launching-green-digital-economy-platform.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1389/indonesia-and-korea-embarks-into-smart-farming-by-launching-green-digital-economy-platform.html Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:28 +0530 A significant step for Indonesia and Korea in upholding sustainability, promoting digital well-being and advancing digital economy. Indonesia has launched the Green Digital Economy Platform (GDEP), a groundbreaking international initiative on 13 Sep 2023 . The launch, endorsed by Dr. Moeldoko, Presidential Chief of Staff of Indonesia, represents a significant step for Indonesia and Korea in promoting sustainability, fostering digital well-being and advancing the digital economy. GDEP is led by HumanX, a global partnership promoting human-centered technology, in collaboration with the Maju Tani Movement in Indonesia and the DQ Institute. This launch follows the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea summit held on September 6, 2023, which signed an agreement to promote the green and digital economy, science, technology and innovation, and carbon neutrality in the region. GDEP is a business collaboration platform that aligns the digital economy and sustainability, pioneering the "cross economy" model, extending beyond the traditional "circular economy" framework. By leveraging Korea's technological advancements, Indonesia's vast market and resources, as well as global R&D and investments, GDEP is poised to drive transformative digital innovations in agricultural technology, climate technology and carbon trading. The multifaceted impacts on the digital economy and sustainability will be monitored through the Digital-ESG Index, led by the Digital-Related Financial Disclosure Working Group. GDEP will engage a broad network of multiple stakeholders in both countries to turn the vision into reality, fostering a landscape primed for innovation and sustainable growth. Investment in the platform is expected to exceed $1 billion. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1371/hebang-biotech-plans-to-invest-in-building-a-chemical-production-base-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1371/hebang-biotech-plans-to-invest-in-building-a-chemical-production-base-in-indonesia.html Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:45:09 +0530 The project plans to invest $800 million, and the factory area is 67 hectares, with the main products being sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride, and glyphosate. The JIIPE Industrial Park in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, will serve as a chemical production base for Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., after signing an agreement with BKMS and AKR for $800 million in investments. AKR Group President Haryanto (Weng Weiguang) and Zeng Xiaoping signed the "Letter of Investment Intent" with Haryanto (Weng Weiguang), President of Hebang Group. Hebang Biotechnology Indonesia will receive project land from BKMS. A joint venture company will be formed between Hebang Biology and AKR in JIIPE, in which Hebang Biology (or any subsidiary or affiliated company) will hold 90% of the shares, while AKR (or any subsidiaries or affiliated companies) will hold 10%, in order to invest in, construct and operate Indonesian projects. According to Hebang Biology, the project plans to invest $800 million, and the factory area is 67 hectares, with the main products being sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride, and glyphosate. After the completion of the project, it will have the capacity to produce 600,000 tons of sodium carbonate annually, also will achieve an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons of ammonium chloride. and annual production capacity of 200,000 Kg of glyphosate. Hebang Biotech has superior technology, talent, and operational experience in the domestic and international markets for its products as a publicly traded company that integrates chemicals, photovoltaics, and minerals. As the world's largest supplier of glyphosate, the company's soda ash products hold a commanding market share. A significant country along the "Belt and Road" investment corridor is Indonesia, which is also China's most important trading partner. A special economic zone has been designated for JIIPE Industrial Park by the Indonesian government. Indonesia's first comprehensive industrial complex with a deep-sea facility. The park is managed by PT BERKAH KAWASAN MANYAR SEJAHTERA (BKMS). Hebang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. capitalizes on the geographical advantages of JIIPE in Surabaya, Indonesia, and Indonesia's resource advantages through overseas investment and the construction of factories to expand its current market and increase its products' international influence. In the next phase, the company will vigorously promote the application of pertinent approval documents, reinforce project docking and implementation, actively seek markets, and pursue efficiency so that the construction results will be beneficial to both China and Indonesia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1354/indonesia-and-malaysia-collaborate-research-and-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1354/indonesia-and-malaysia-collaborate-research-and-innovation.html Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:59:51 +0530 To elevate Southeast Asia's dignity and glory, and to enhance research output on the Asian continent and globally he National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have agreed to increase collaboration in the field of research and innovation. This cooperation was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BRIN Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilisation R. Hendrian and UTM Vice Chancellor Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, at the B. J Habibie Building, Jakarta,  Director-General of Higher Education of the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education Azlinda Azman said in her speech that this cooperation will open up more potential for research collaboration that has been established between Indonesia and Malaysia, through BRIN and UTM. Azlinda elaborated that 17 BRIN researchers have joined the degree by research postgraduate programme at UTM, as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in 2021. This collaboration successfully resulted in 11 research cooperation grants, which also involved 15 UTM researchers. With 12 Research Organisations and 85 Research Centres in BRIN, Handoko hopes that there will be more cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia in research and innovation. The areas of cooperation in this memorandum of understanding include energy and manufacturing; electronics and informatics, including artificial intelligence; aviation and space; nanotechnology and materials; nuclear energy; social sciences and humanities; archaeology, literature and linguistics; technology for health; life and environmental sciences; food and agriculture; earth and maritime sciences; and economy and public welfare. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1347/social-forestry-creates-lush-landscapes-in-place-of-barren-land-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1347/social-forestry-creates-lush-landscapes-in-place-of-barren-land-in-indonesia.html Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:59:37 +0530 The programme has granted land titles for 5.6 million hectares of state forest to 1 million households. Indonesia's social forestry programme, adopted in 2016, has ushered local communities into a new era of forest management. The programme is designed to strengthen land access rights, empower communities and support forest conservation practices. The government is aiming to reallocate a total of 12.7 million hectares of state forest, equivalent to the size of Indonesia’s main island of Java, to local communities, enabling them to manage their forests for decades at a time. As of today, the programme has granted land titles for 5.6 million hectares of state forest to 1 million households. Granting long-term land management rights to local communities has produced remarkable benefits; a resurgence of vegetation has taken the place of bald, unproductive terrain. Harmoniously mixing forestry and agriculture FAO and UNEP launched the UN-REDD initiative in the region to support the farmers. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the UN-REDD initiative is implemented jointly by FAO and UNEP, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat, Regional Community Forestry Training Center for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC) and other partners. Unlocking the potential of social forestry In Indonesia and elsewhere, UN-REDD is working to get social forestry “better recognized as mitigation and adaptation actions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, It is also important to help break the link between agriculture and deforestation” says Serena Fortuna, FAO Team Leader for UN-REDD. The initiative is further providing local communities better access to finance and markets, which is “a critical factor in unlocking the full potential of social forestry in Indonesia,” says Alexis Corblin, Senior Technical Advisor on climate and forests in UNEP. “This approach offers a way to promote positive environmental outcomes while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and livelihood development.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1335/indonesia-interactive-voice-response-ivr-infoline.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1335/indonesia-interactive-voice-response-ivr-infoline.html Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:42:27 +0530 The IVR Infoline is designed to deliver science-based advisory directly to rice farmers through voice messages in the local language Indonesia has launched intersection of technology and agriculture Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Infoline. This collaborative effort between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Viamo, marks a significant milestone in reaching and empowering Indonesian rice farmers. The IVR Infoline is designed to deliver science-based advisory directly to rice farmers through voice messages in the local language. This platform also promotes the utilization of accessible digital tools such as Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP). The IVR Infoline is part of alternative pathways to deliver actionable information to farmers through the Rice Crop Manager Indonesia project. IVR Infoline works through scheduled calls to known numbers of farmers and presenting them with a menu of options through pre-recorded voice messages. Farmers can interact with the system using their phone's keypad to access key messages about crop management advisories for irrigated rice farms. IVR Infoline delivers concise actionable information about the following 10 key messages: rice variety selection, planting method, fertilizer dosage, fertilizer type, fertilizer application timing, alternate wetting and drying, brown plant hopper, stem borer, combine harvesting, and threshing machine. It is now available for rice farmers in West Java and South Sulawesi. During the launch, the system called 952 mobile numbers of farmers and about 67% of farmers picked up the calls. Out of the 10 key messages, the top five key messages accessed by farmers were: rice variety selection (36%), fertilizer application timing (19%), planting method (18%), fertilizer dosage (14%), and fertilizer type (11%). Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasil Sembiring, MSc., IRRI Indonesia Liaison Scientist, expressed his contentment with the launch, stating, “This significant launch of the IVR Infoline is an achievement underscoring the partnership between IRRI and Viamo in propelling the enhancement of rice farmers' access to agricultural information. The IVR Infoline is poised to unequivocally empower rice farmers in Indonesia, while also charting the course for the adoption of more sustainable farming practices.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1324/indonesia-embarks-on-rejuvenating-778-hectares-of-palm-oil-smallholders-plantation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1324/indonesia-embarks-on-rejuvenating-778-hectares-of-palm-oil-smallholders-plantation.html Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:52:25 +0530 Asian Agri extends multilateral partnership to bring Indonesian smallholders under the cooperative to achieve rapid progress over replanting their plantation In Indonesia, three village unit cooperatives (KUD) partnered with Asian Agri to form a Partnership Agreement (PKS) to distribute funding assistance for the People’s Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR) with the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) and the banking sector. As part of Asian Agri's partner cooperative program, 300 hectares of land are being replanted in Kampung Bukit Agung, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, KUD Sumber Rezeki, Kampung Bukit Agung, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, KUD Jaya Makmur, Kampung Kumbara Utama, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, and KUD Bukit Makmur, Sencano Jaya Village, Batang Peranap District, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. BPDPKS Director of Fund Collection, Sunari, said, “As is known that PSR is a national strategic program as part of the Government’s efforts to increase the productivity of national oil palm plantations. Therefore, through the signing of the cooperation agreement between the 3 parties in this X (ten) phase, it is hoped that synergies will be established between BPDPKS, banks, and Cooperatives or Smallholder Groups to be able to accelerate the target achievement of the PSR program”. The Indonesian Government is supporting Asian Agri's partner smallholders in funding this replanting program through BPDPKS and the banking sector. Oil palm plantations that are ready to be replanted will greatly benefit from the funds. Asian Agri’s Head of Partnerships, Rudy Rismanto explained “that carrying out 100% of the partner smallholder replanting program is one of the first pillar targets in the Asian Agri 2030 sustainability commitment that Asian Agri has launched since February 2022. In achieving the Asian Agri 2030 target, we are always committed to providing assistance to partner smallholders, both providing knowledge about the best oil palm plantation practices, providing high-quality Topaz seeds to optimize productivity, assisting the loan process to finance the process of rejuvenating smallholders’ oil palm plantations, to assisting them to do other businesses outside of oil palm plantations as alternative income. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1313/indonesia-to-develop-agro-tourism-business-through-tea-plantation-area.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1313/indonesia-to-develop-agro-tourism-business-through-tea-plantation-area.html Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:06:41 +0530 PTPN IV establishes cooperation with PT ASJ Management of PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) signed an agro-tourism Build Operate Transfer (BOT) contract with PT Anugerah Sidamanik Jaya (PT ASJ). The signing was carried out by the Director of PTPN IV Sucipto Prayitno and the Main Director of PT ASJ Rio Handoyo Mawardi at the Bidakara Tower, Jakarta. The object of the agreed agro-tourism cooperation is PTPN IV's 9-hectare tea plantation area named Bukit Teletubbies and Bukit Cinta in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra. This location has various facilities such as villas, glamping, ATV arena, outdoor adventure, restaurants and paid photo spots. "It is hoped that the cooperation that we have established will provide added value to companies and stakeholders to be able to develop the tourism industry in North Sumatra," said Sucipto. PT ASJ is a corporate entity affiliated with PT Anugerah Heha Jaya (PT AHJ). They have created various popular tourist destinations in Yogyakarta. Namely HeHa Sky View and Heha Ocean View. At the signing ceremony for the agro-tourism BOT, the Director of PTPN IV Sucipto Prayitno was accompanied by a number of officials. Namely PTPN IV Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Business Support Budi Susanto, PTPN IV Head of Planning & Sustainability Pirgok Panggabean, and PTPN IV Liaison Office Coordinator Ipan Gumara Siahaan. "This collaboration is PTPN IV's effort to develop the company's business so that it is more optimal so as to provide more benefits for state revenues," said PTPN IV Corporate Secretariat Section Head Mulianto. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1265/indonesias-largest-trade-show-for-smart-agricultural-technologies-solutions-industries-gears-up.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1265/indonesias-largest-trade-show-for-smart-agricultural-technologies-solutions-industries-gears-up.html Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:53:30 +0530 INAGRITECH, INAGRICHEM, SUGARMACH INDONESIA, PUMP&VALVES INDONESIA, INAPALM ASIA: Showcase of Indonesia's Agricultural, Chemical, Sugar, Pump, and Palm Oil Industries Indonesia's Largest Trade Show for Smart Agricultural Technologies & Solutions Industries is set to unravel on 23-25 ​​August 2023 at JIExpo, Jakarta, Indonesia, exhibiting INAGRITECH 2023, INAGRICHEM 2023, SUGARMACH 2023, INAPALM ASI 2023, and PUMP & VALVES 2023. In addition to showcasing Indonesia's agricultural, chemical, sugar, pump, and palm oil industries, the forum will bring together stakeholders of the industry. INAGRITECH Held in conjunction with INAGRICHEM, SUGARMACH INDONESIA, PUMP&VALVES INDONESIA, and INAPALM ASIA. The three-day event is staged at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) and will be a unique opportunity for professionals, businesses, and enthusiasts to explore a diverse array of products, technologies, and services is provided by the amalgamation of all the exhibitions, each with its own significance. The 9th edition of INAGRITECH: Advancing Agricultural Technology INAGRITECH focuses on the latest advancements and innovations in the agricultural sector. From smart farming technologies to precision agriculture equipment, the exhibition aims to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the farming industry. Participants can expect to witness cutting-edge machinery, crop protection solutions, irrigation systems, and farm management software that will empower farmers to meet the challenges of the modern world. The 7th edition of INAGRICHEM: Revolutionizing the Chemical Industry INAGRICHEM is dedicated to showcasing the chemical sector's contributions to agriculture and other industries. This segment will highlight agrochemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and various chemical formulations that play a pivotal role in enhancing crop yield and quality. Manufacturers, distributors, and researchers will come together to exchange knowledge and explore partnerships that can drive the chemical industry forward. The 5th edition of SUGARMACH INDONESIA: Sweetening the Sugar Industry Indonesia is a major player in the global sugar industry, and SUGARMACH INDONESIA aims to accentuate this position. This segment of the exhibition will feature state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and technologies related to sugar processing, refining, and production. It is a must-visit for sugar industry professionals seeking modern solutions to optimize their operations and deliver high-quality sugar products. The 4th edition of PUMP&VALVES INDONESIA: A Hub for Pump and Valve Technologies PUMP&VALVES INDONESIA brings together the most comprehensive range of pumps, valves, and related equipment. These vital components are essential for various industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, water management, and manufacturing. This exhibition will allow attendees to explore the latest pump and valve technologies and engage with industry experts to address their specific needs. The 9th edition of INAPALM ASIA: Embracing the Palm Oil Sector The palm oil industry is a significant economic driver for Indonesia, and INAPALM ASIA serves as a platform to support its growth and sustainability. Visitors will have the chance to connect with key players in the palm oil sector, discover innovative harvesting and processing techniques, and explore eco-friendly practices that promote responsible palm oil production. INAGRITECH, INAGRICHEM, SUGARMACH INDONESIA, PUMP&VALVES INDONESIA, and INAPALM ASIA collectively form an unparalleled opportunity for various industries to converge, share knowledge, and foster growth and development. This grand showcase of agricultural, chemical, sugar, pump, and palm oil technologies is an event not to be missed for professionals and businesses looking to stay at the forefront of their respective sectors. As Indonesia continues to assert its position in the global market, these exhibitions play a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability across multiple industries. Pre-Register at : https://reg-gemindonesia.net/ For further details contact at info@gem-indonesia.com or direct call : +6282135958938website: https://inagritech-exhibition.net/, https://www.inagrichem-exhibition.net/, https://www.sugarmach-indonesia.net/, https://www.inapalm-asia.net/ and https://www.pump-valve-indonesia.net/ ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1162/indonesias-efishery-secures-200m-series-d-funding.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1162/indonesias-efishery-secures-200m-series-d-funding.html Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:34:00 +0530 By 2025, eFishery plans to operate over 1 million aquaculture ponds in Indonesia. eFishery, a leading aquaculture company from Indonesia, managed to secure Series D funding worth $200M(around 3 trillion Rupiah). Funding will be used to accelerate community development of fish cultivators and shrimp farmers in Indonesia and to increase transactions in eFishery. By 2025, eFishery plans to operate over 1 million aquaculture ponds in Indonesia. eFishery will also utilize the funding to increase transactions for fish feed and fresh Aquaculture products in platforms This. eFishery Co-Founder and CEO, Gibran Huzaifah, said “The strategic support we receive from investors will help eFishery revolutionizing the entire industry, through the integration of small-scale fish farmers and shrimp farmers with the ecosystem eFishery that covers the whole value chain aquaculture business.” Based on the latest research from the Demographic Institute, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LD FEB UI), eFishery has contributed IDR 3.4 trillion or the equivalent of 1.55% to the GDP of the Indonesian Aquaculture sector throughout 2022. The integrated ecosystem of eFishery which cover marketplace And platforms sales of fish products, shrimp products, and services to access finance have supported more than 70,000 cultivators and farmers throughout Indonesia. The development of the Farmer community is in line with the effort eFishery to increase exports of domestic shrimp products that are free of chemicals and antibiotics. In addition, this also makes the export of shrimp products eFishery fully traceable (traceable) to the international market, as well as closer relations between consumers and farmers. This series D funding round was led by 42XFund (a global investment management company based in Abu Dhabi) supported by Association Wang Association (Established) (Malaysia's largest pension fund company), responsiveAbility (Swiss-based asset management company), 500Globals (a multistage venture capital firm), as well as several other emerging investors. Early eFishery investors like Northstar, Temasek, And Softbank also participated in this funding round. Besides that, there is also Goldman Sachs exclusively acting as funding advisor. This latest investment shows that investors have confidence in their integrated Aquaculture ecosystem eFishery. Principal from 42XFund, Faith Adiwibowo, expressed his excitement regarding this funding, “We believe in the vision eFishery and interested in becoming a key partner who adds value and contributes to the company's growth. Other Aquaculture technologies and solutions provided by eFishery has had a significant impact on the aquaculture technology industry, as well as providing benefits for small cultivators in Indonesia. We also believe that eFishery can continue to contribute to realizing an inclusive and sustainable economy, while at the same time playing a role in preserving the environment in Indonesia, and even the world.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1058/adb-signs-44-2-mn-blue-loan-with-alba-to-reduce-ocean-waste-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1058/adb-signs-44-2-mn-blue-loan-with-alba-to-reduce-ocean-waste-in-indonesia.html Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:17:55 +0530 Blue loans are financing instruments that aim to safeguard access to clean water, protect underwater environments, and invest in a sustainable water economy The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $44.2 million blue loan with PT ALBA Tridi Plastics Recycling Indonesia, an ALBA Group Asia company, to establish a polyethene terephthalate (PET) recycling facility in Central Java. ADB and Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) will each provide $22.1 million in funding for the project. Blue loans are financing instruments that aim to safeguard access to clean water, protect underwater environments, and invest in a sustainable water economy. "Plastic pollution causes billions of dollars in irreversible harm to our marine ecosystem, and also have severe impacts on economies and public health," said Ashok Lavasa, ADB Vice-President for Private Sector Operations and Public–Private Partnerships. "This project showcases the potential for PET recycling in Indonesia, while the certified blue loan aims to attract more investors into waste management and recycling." Each year, approximately 8 to 12 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Indonesia is one of the top contributors to marine plastic pollution. Its government has implemented policy initiatives targeting a 70 per cent reduction in plastic waste leakage by 2025 and achieving near-zero plastic pollution by 2040. The recycling plant will process PET beverage bottles into high-quality recycled polyethene terephthalate (rPET) flakes and food-grade rPET pellets, which can be used to produce new rPET bottles. The plant is expected to recycle up to 48,000 tons of PET bottles annually, diverting them from landfills, open burning, or leakage into the ocean. The plant will produce 36,000 tons of rPET, which will offset up to 30,500 tons of carbon dioxide that would have resulted from using virgin PET. “It has been a pleasure working with ADB on this landmark project for Central Java,” said Axel Schweitzer, ALBA Group Asia Limited Chairman. “Our project will increase food-grade rPET production capacity in Indonesia and contribute to the creation of a circular economy for plastics. We are excited to do more projects like this in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asia region, and look forward to partnering with ADB to explore future opportunities.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1034/singapores-gmt-launches-global-mangrove-trust-restoration-and-conservation-project-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1034/singapores-gmt-launches-global-mangrove-trust-restoration-and-conservation-project-in-indonesia.html Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:18:00 +0530 GMT is a Singaporean NGO that specializes in developing technology solutions for reforestation and forest conservation projects in Southeast Asia. Singapore's The Global Mangrove Trust (GMT) has launched its 001-OxC Global Mangrove Trust Restoration & Conservation project in Indonesia's North Sumatra. GMT is a Singaporean NGO that specializes in developing technology solutions for reforestation and forest conservation projects in Southeast Asia. The organization, as an innovator and project coordinator, empowers families and businesses worldwide to support community-based mangrove forestry. The 001-OxC project, launched in collaboration with local partner Yayasan Gajah Sumatra (YAGASU), an Indonesian charity with over 19 years of practical experience in forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and green livelihoods, aims to conserve and regenerate coastal ecosystems in four villages across 2305.6 hectares of mangrove forest. The project is expected to generate an avoidance of 2,594,027 tonnes CO2 equivalent and a removal of 857,416 tonnes over its lifetime. 001-OxC is the first blue carbon conservation project launched under the OxCarbon Standard, a novel science-based carbon standard that seeks to renew and expand confidence in forest carbon climate projects. The OxCarbon Principles, supported by robust science, complete data transparency, and scrutiny from the academic peer review community, were satisfied by validating 001-OxC through the Kumi Analytics Carbon Sequestration Assessment Tool (KACSAT). KACSAT integrates satellite imagery, machine learning, and ground-based observations to estimate total above-ground biomass and carbon sequestration rates with path-breaking scientific accuracy. Dr. Ryan Merrill, Executive Secretary of GMT said, "By launching 001-OxC regeneration project as its unique combination of science-based carbon crediting, high fidelity impact tracking, and strong first-mile bonafides we set the bar for scalable blue carbon sustainable land use in Southeast Asia." GMT aims to replicate the success of the 001-OxC pilot in Indonesia, the Philippines, West Africa, and beyond, covering 25,000 hectares of protected forest over the next 3-5 years. GMT is grateful for the support from UBS Climate Collective, Personio Foundation, Climate Lab, and Hogan Lovells International in scaling its work GMT is supported by Marex Asia, a global leader in commodity and financial markets, to drive innovation in carbon project origination, governance, and market outreach. This game-changing initiative promises to transform the world of carbon conservation and bring us one step closer to a more sustainable future. In addition to the climate impact, the 001-OxC project delivers multiple co-benefits to local communities via artisanal women’s groups, silvofishery programs, and employment in active conservation patrols across the forest zone. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1026/indonesia-elevates-remote-sensing-agri-devices-usage.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1026/indonesia-elevates-remote-sensing-agri-devices-usage.html Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:04:00 +0530 As part of its agricultural land management system, Indonesia began the use of remote sensing devices to identify and analyze various problems. A remote sensing research collaboration for estimating oil palm productivity, modeling areas prone to forest fires, and oceanographic studies in Lamandau District, Central Kalimantan was also established by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) with the Lamandau Polytechnic from Lamandau District, Central Kalimantan. The signing of the cooperation between the two parties was carried out by  Rahmat Arief as Head of the Remote Sensing Research Center (PRPJ), Aviation and Space Research Organization (ORPA) BRIN with A. Adhityawan Nugroho as Director of the Lamandau Polytechnic at the Teratai Building KST Soekarno Cibinong. Technology is indeed closely related to infrastructure. BRIN has an open platform infrastructure concept, where the existing infrastructure at BRIN can be accessed by all groups. Such as High Performance Computing (HPC), laboratories, data centers and other facilities, he continued. This research is expected to accurately predict oil palm productivity in Bulik District, Lamandau Regency using remote sensing data. Palm oil companies can use it to carry out plantation management and production according to the expected targets for regional development in Lamandau Regency and Central Kalimantan Province. As well as knowing the risk of fire and environmental impact on sea waters. One of the remote sensing applications has been carried out by Untoro et al. (2018) to estimate oil palm productivity using imagery from the Sentinel-2 satellite. Further research regarding the estimation of oil palm productivity using remote sensing needs to be carried out in order to obtain results that are more guaranteed to be accurate. Rahmat Arief said "BRIN has a duty to increase the number of partners in collaboration, especially in conducting research collaboration. The goal is to form a research ecosystem to become the basis of the economy. A research-based economy will be more resilient, especially one that uses high technology. For this reason, BRIN seeks to establish a research ecosystem that will be supported by policies, human resources, infrastructure and business processes. These four things are very important" The Lamandau Regency's palm oil production is quite large and so is its export, although at this time there are countries that are starting to become our competitors, such as countries in Africa. Specifically for Lamandau, according to Bapeda data, 20% of Lamandau Regency's PDRP is supported by the plantation sector. So during the yesterday's pandemic, cities that depended on the service or real sector were badly affected. But for Lamandau Regency, the postscript, which has a side job as a farmer, is not too affected, Adhityawan explained. For information, the scope of the agreement includes estimation of productivity of oil palm plantations with limits on the NDVI (Normalized Differential Vegetation Index) vegetation index and other possible vegetation indices obtained from the processing of Landsat 8, Pleiades imagery on plantation land and rainfall data, rainy days, fertilizer, and plant age obtained from Bulik District, Lamandau Regency. Mapping of fire-prone areas, hydro-oceanographic studies and research on the utilization of remote sensing data for capture fisheries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1018/indonesia-is-strengthening-agri-operations-for-a-better-sustainable-future.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/1018/indonesia-is-strengthening-agri-operations-for-a-better-sustainable-future.html Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:23:24 +0530 Kelvin Tio, Managing Director at Indonesia's Asian Agri, explains Vietnam’s Asian Agri 2030 (AA2030) commitments and contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) With the growing impact of climate change, Asian Agri acknowledges our responsibility of ensuring the transparency of our business. Throughout our history, apart from focusing our attention on environmental aspects, we have always placed social and economic development at the heart of our business. We are committed to performing the sustainable transformation of our industry, providing opportunities for our people and surrounding communities. Indonesia has made great strides in cementing its role as a key player in the palm oil industry. It is our commitment to deliver positive impacts beyond compliance. We believe that is our contribution to shaping sustainability in the market and society, transcending the impacts as we do not merely focus on our company. We are working towards Increasing Interest in Sustainability and the host nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)3, there is an urgency for industries relying on natural capital to integrate sustainability and climate considerations into their overall business strategy. As countries ramped up their climate pledges, there are expectations for the private sector to support and follow suit. For instance, Indonesia has identified the land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sectors as key focus areas in achieving this target. Furthermore, understanding that palm oil is a major commodity in Indonesia, we recognize increasingly stringent government regulations on the sector. Consequently, our key stakeholders are placing greater scrutiny on Asian Agri’s sustainability and climate strategy, targets, and performance. As a company that has long embraced sustainability, we see this growing interest as an opportunity to drive innovation within our operations. We believe that AA2030 is able to contribute to addressing the challenges in securing sustainable development. Embarking on AA2030 Journey We proudly launched AA2030 in early 2022. They consist of our commitments and targets to positively contribute to our local community, country, global climate, smallholders and to our company. AA2030 was developed with careful consideration in the hope that we can continue to make positive contributions when conducting our business. We believe that holistic and balanced endeavors in both environmental and social aspects are key to achieving a successful contribution. 2022 was our first year in delivering greater progress and embarking on our AA2030 journey. We strive to make our way in moving forward with sixteen targets that are classified under four pillars that we set in AA2030. •  Under the Smallholder Partnership pillar, we are intensifying the replanting program for smallholders and aiming to double the smallholders’ income through the replanting program. Besides replanting, we focus on supporting smallholders to get certification towards sustainability standards such as ISPO for scheme smallholders and RSPO for independent smallholders. •  For the Inclusive Growth Pillar, we are working closely with the local government to make programs in eradicating poverty surrounding our operational area by empowering SMEs, and providing vocational trainings and educational scholarships. As part of our commitment to our consumers, we also separate food and non-food grade oil to ensure food safety of our products. •  Following the success of the One-to-One Partnership program, we are making progress in our One-to-One Restoration program in Climate Positive Pillar. The program is our own initiative to contribute positively to the global climate. We also put our efforts into achieving Net Zero Emissions from our operations, aligning our company to contribute to the global agenda. One among our initiatives is to increase our use of renewable energy to 100% in 2030. •  We also aspire to enhance our operational excellence under the Responsible and Sustainable Production Pillar, by reducing our pesticides uses in our plantations and promoting environmentally friendly measures in controlling pests and diseases. Asian Agri also strives to enhance our long-standing commitment to intensify our productivity without opening up new land and to implement circular economy best practices. Integrating Climate Science into Our Business In line with our commitment to transform Asian Agri into a Climate Positive business, we strengthened the foundations of our climate journey this year by conducting a carbon footprint assessment. The assessment was done for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions in accordance with ISO 14064-1 and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, covering 30 of our own estates, 22 mills, and 4 offices. The findings helped us understand the trends of our emissions within our operations, where we were able to develop a roadmap of reduction and mitigation initiatives to help us reach our net zero emissions from the land-use target by 2030. Strengthening Our Operational Management We understand that we need to have gradual and transformational changes in our operation to succeed in our purpose of improving lives by developing resources sustainably. On the plantation side, the replanting program is one of the key changes we focus on these years. Besides, we are also adapting digital transformation using emerging technologies available today such as GPS-enabled tablets to gain real time production and Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) transport monitoring, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) like drones, and Remote Sensing to extend our reach and analysis effectivity. Alongside this, we increase the capability of our people to adapt to the use of information technology to better manage our operation areas. On the mill side, we have equipped our mills with waste and residue oil recovery facilities to segregate our food-grade oil and non-food-grade oil for biodiesel and biofuel. This strategy is part of our commitment to consumer health and safety. In addition, we invested a lot in terms of retrofitting and modernizing our mill, including constructing and operating a biogas facility. In our case, the biogas facility is not only to capture methane emissions but also to replace biomass utilization for energy production through biogas combustion. In this case, we increase our efficiency in utilizing biomass and contribute to carbon reduction by selling the biomass to the open market as a fossil fuel substitution. In the future, we aim to build a biogas facility in each of our mills. These efforts are part of our take on circular economy practices. On the Research and Development (R&D) side as our key enabler, apart from continuing the optimization of traditional plant breeding, now we are also focusing on producing superior ramets through tissue culture techniques to speed up plant breeding and yield enhancement. We are proud to be among the few companies that can adopt this breakthrough in the palm oil industry. Paving the Ground Ahead Moving forward, Asian Agri will accelerate our work in integrating sustainability into our business and operational strategy, striving to live our vision to generate value for the Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company. We recognize that there will be challenges to overcome as we continue to realize our AA2030 targets and commitments, but we are confident in translating them into opportunities to grow our business sustainably. At Asian Agri, we are excited about this prospect, and we look forward to continuing working with our dedicated teams, business leaders, and partners to improve the livelihoods of our people and local communities toward a low-carbon future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/982/australia-delivers-half-a-million-lumpy-skin-disease-vaccines-to-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/982/australia-delivers-half-a-million-lumpy-skin-disease-vaccines-to-indonesia.html Thu, 25 May 2023 12:25:00 +0530 Australia has committed more than $17 million to directly support Indonesia’s efforts to control FMD and LSD outbreaks Australia has handed over 500,000 doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines to Indonesia as part of the Australian Government’s work to fight exotic animal diseases before they reach Australia's borders and territories. Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has granted one million doses of the vaccine in its recent commitment to assist Indonesia in controlling LSD. Up until, nearly 435,000 LSD vaccines are donated to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in Jakarta by Australia since March 2022. The Australian Government via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has provided $5 million for technical expertise and support for Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, to assist their work in combatting livestock diseases. This includes provision of vaccines, training in biosecurity and building diagnostic capacity. The Australian government has committed more than $17 million to directly support Indonesia’s efforts to control outbreaks of FMD and LSD, especially in Sumatra and Java islands provinces. Acting Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Beth Cookson said "LSD and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) presented the most significant threats to Australia’s biosecurity in decades. Australia has been providing support to our nearest neighbors and close trading partners—like Indonesia—as they work to curb the spread of these diseases. LSD causes milk production losses and skin sores in cattle and water buffalo, and can be spread by mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks. The disease is a major threat to Australia’s livestock industry, trade and our economy". “Australia is free of both LSD or FMD. The work happening in Indonesia now is essential to reducing the impact of diseases throughout the region and to avoid the risk of entering Australia" added Dr. Cookson. Dr Nuryani Zainuddin, Director of Animal Health, from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, said "LSD had been confirmed in 15 provinces such as Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung, Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta, and Central Kalimantan Province". Lumpy skin disease has decimated the livestock industry, resulting in economic losses. This highly contagious viral disease spreads rapidly, and its impact on cattle productivity cannot be overstated. Thus, the Australian government's donation of lumpy skin disease vaccines will play a crucial role in controlling and eventually eradicating lumpy skin disease in Indonesia. The on-going vaccinator training program delivered to Indonesian vets and paravets to assist in building their technical capabilities in FMD and LSD control and eradication. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/972/indonesian-fertilizer-giant-pupuk-kaltim-timur-pkt-to-invest-4b-on-expansion.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/972/indonesian-fertilizer-giant-pupuk-kaltim-timur-pkt-to-invest-4b-on-expansion.html Tue, 23 May 2023 09:27:00 +0530 Enters a multiorganisational partnership over a joint study on green ammonia production aimed at building a facility that can produce 1 million tones of green ammonia annually Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT), the fertilizer giant with five Ammonia plant units and five Urea plant units in Indonesia has entered into a multiorganizational partnership on a research project investigating green ammonia production. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), PKT marks a significant milestone in efforts to achieve carbon-free ammonia production. PKT has collaborated with Copenhagen Atomics, Topsoe, Alfa Laval, Aalborg CSP, and Pertamina New & Renewable Energy to study green ammonia production by signing the MOU in Copenhagen, Denmark.The joint study will focus on building a facility that can produce 1 million tonnes of green ammonia per year, with an estimated investment of $4 billion.Green ammonia production involves the use of 100% renewable and carbon-free processes to manufacture ammonia. With the use of green hydrogen generated via water electrolysis, ammonia is produced without harmful carbon emissions. This breakthrough technology promises to transform ammonia production, ushering in a new era of sustainability and eco-friendliness. The study aims to overcome the challenge of energy intensity in producing green ammonia. Conventionally, the separation of ammonia from its reactants involves significant temperature and pressure fluctuations that rely on the use of fossil fuel energy. However, the study seeks to ascertain whether the use of Thorium-based nuclear technology can enable the production of ammonia without the use of hydrocarbon raw materials while remaining competitive in price.In line with its commitment to sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, PKT aims to replace all grey ammonia products produced using hydrocarbon raw materials with green ammonia, creating a more sustainable future for all. The President Director of PKT, Rahmad Pribadi stated that: "PKT views the joint study as an essential step towards achieving our sustainability goals. We are honoured to work with industry leaders to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a greener planet. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our focus on innovation to revolutionise the agricultural sector. As consumers increasingly prefer sustainable and eco-friendly products, PKT is proud to be at the forefront of this movement." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/955/japfa-delivers-23000-live-chickens-from-indonesia-to-singapore.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/955/japfa-delivers-23000-live-chickens-from-indonesia-to-singapore.html Thu, 18 May 2023 10:10:33 +0530 A first ever remarkable supply chain achievement to ship 23,000 fresh live chicken from Indonesia to Singapore via sea route by Japfa Group Singapore headquartered, Japfa Ltd, a leading vertically integrated industrialised agri-food company has delivered 23,000 live birds via sea route to Singapore. This is the first time live chickens are delivered to Singapore from Indonesia. The shipment represents a noteworthy achievement and will test a new method of supplying fresh chicken to Singapore, with the birds transported live by sea and slaughtered at the destination. The chickens were raised by PT Ciomas Adisatwa in Bintan, Kepulauan Riau a province of Indonesia. PT Ciomas Adisatwa is a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk, which in turn is a subsidiary of Japfa Ltd. Japfa Group which adheres to the compliances with a goal to provide nutritious and affordable staple proteins in an efficient and sustainable way. This first shipment has opened new opportunities to provide not only fresh chicken but also other staple protein foods to Singapore. Tan Yong Nang, Chief Executive Officer of Japfa, said: “We are pleased to contribute to Singapore’s food security strategy by providing fresh chicken to local consumers. As a leading industrialised agri-food player, with more than 50 years of experience in producing staple protein foods in Asia, we can meet Singapore’s demand and standards based on our attention to quality and our vertically integrated business model from poultry feed production and breeding to farming and food processing. This shipment is the result of the combined efforts of Japfa, Singapore and Indonesia’s authorities, and we look forward to expanding further our contribution to feed Singapore consumers with nutritious proteins”. Japfa is one of the largest poultry producers in Indonesia and in the region, boasting high standards in quality, food safety and ESG. Japfa’s activities are critical to feeding people in Indonesia as the Group supplies approximately 20% of poultry products in the market. Japfa is committed to continue to invest in the Bintan project to support Singapore’s food security strategy. Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic ofIndonesia, Dr. Ir. Nasrullah, said: "Export to Singapore is a testimony to Indonesia's livestock product quality and ability to meet international standards of food safety requirements. The national broiler meat production in 2022 was recorded at 3.67 million tons. This shows that Indonesia can fulfil the needs for poultry and derivative products not only in Indonesia but also globally.” Japfa places a strong emphasis on quality and safety throughout its operations. The company’s farms and processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhere to the highest international standards of animal welfare, food safety, and environmental sustainability, such as the closed-house systems for poultry production. Japfa’s standards compliance with regional and international certifications. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/901/whats-driving-plant-based-meat-sector-in-apac.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/901/whats-driving-plant-based-meat-sector-in-apac.html Mon, 08 May 2023 13:12:10 +0530 The global plant-based seafood market is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2031, growing at a 42.3 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2031. The market size for plant-based seafood was valued at 42.1 million in 2021, accounting for 62.7 per cent market share.  The seafood segment is expected to remain dominant during the estimated period, with products like burgers, fillets, cutlets and tenders in high demand.  As the numbers and outlook for the future are looking optimistic for the industry, let’s examine this growing Alt-food source. Plant-based meat was first developed in Asia and now, plant-based seafood is in demand in the region. According to a recent report by the Good Food Institute APAC, consumers in Asia are increasingly changing their dietary habits to include plant-based seafood due to concerns about heavy pollution in the ocean. Plant-based seafood or alternative seafood is emerging as a new source of food in Asia. Plant-based seafood is made from legume proteins, soya protein, wheat protein, rice, vegetables, seaweed and plant oils. The global plant-based seafood market is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2031, growing at a 42.3 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2031. The market size for plant-based seafood was valued at 42.1 million in 2021, accounting for 62.7 per cent market share.  The seafood segment is expected to remain dominant during the estimated period, with products like burgers, fillets, cutlets and tenders in high demand.  As the numbers and outlook for the future are looking optimistic for the industry, let’s examine this growing Alt-food source. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report 2022 states that fisheries and aquaculture production globally has reached 214 million tonnes, including 178 million tonnes of aquatic animals and 36 million tonnes of algae. Since 1961, per capita consumption of seafood has increased by 3 per cent annually.  Although global seafood production is in better condition, environmental concerns, health issues, and overfishing of certain species have led to a surge in demand for alternative seafood or plant-based seafood.  According to a Good Food Institute survey, seven of the top ten seafood-consuming countries are in Asia, including China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Japan, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. This indicates a significant potential market for plant-based seafood products. Investors are also ready to invest in plant-based seafood products. In 2021 plant-based seafood companies raised $175 million and more than 120 companies are manufacturing and developing plant-based seafood mostly from, East and Southeast Asia.  The global plant-based seafood market is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2031, growing at a 42.3 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2031. The market size for plant-based seafood was valued at 42.1 million in 2021, accounting for 62.7 per cent market share.  The seafood segment is expected to remain dominant during the estimated period, with products like burgers, fillets, cutlets and tenders in high demand.  Plant-based seafood or alternative seafood is emerging as a new source of food in Asia. Plant-based seafood is made from legume proteins, soya protein, wheat protein, rice, vegetables, seaweed and plant oils. Mirte Gosker, Acting Managing Director of the Good Food Institute APAC said, “As with all foods, the taste is the single most impact factor in determining the commercial success of alternative seafood products but it is not the only one. Consumers also want products that can match or exceed the nutritional value, freshness and affordability of the conventional seafood they know and love. Satisfying these demands will require substantially more investment from the public and private stakeholders into open-access research and development aimed at improving the quality and cost of plant-based seafood products. For the sake of achieving Asia’s ambitious food security goals and preserving the richness of our oceans amid a world of surging protein demand, we should all hope that alternative seafood producers can live up to consumers’ high expectations.”  To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/852/australia-boost-livestock-diseases-biosecurity-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/852/australia-boost-livestock-diseases-biosecurity-in-indonesia.html Tue, 02 May 2023 07:20:00 +0530 Australia is investing around $770,000 on a international training program in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste to prevent spread of FMD and LSD disease Australia is investing around $770,000 in an international training program to boost farmers' biosecurity capabilities in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Aiming to protect neighboring countries from incursions of exotic diseases like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), Australia is partnering with disease-prone zones. Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is funding Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste with $5 million worth technical expertise to help them combat livestock diseases. This includes personnel and logistic support for vaccine distribution, along with testing and epidemiological work. This funding has also helped fund the Biosecurity Training Centre. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said, “Australia has a long history of biosecurity collaboration with Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and we have ramped up our work together since May 2022 following the detection of FMD in Indonesia. This program will provide vital support to Indonesia’s efforts to control the FMD and LSD outbreaks there while assisting Timor-Leste’s to prevent and prepare for an incursion". The funding will create and deliver country-specific ‘train the trainer’ programs for Indonesia and Timor-Leste and is part of a $14 million package announced by the Government last year. The program will be run by the Charles Sturt University through Australia’s Biosecurity Training Centre (BTC) from April 2023. Initiatives to support Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste for FMD and LSD preparedness Indonesia and Papua New Guinea: The Australian government has committed more than $17 million to directly support Indonesia’s efforts to control outbreaks of FMD and LSD. As a initial funding aid Australia has granted 4 million doses of FMD vaccines and 435,000 doses of LSD vaccines to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture. Further, Australian Government commits to provide 1 million doses of LSD vaccine to aid in the control of the disease. In addition, an on-going vaccinator training program delivered to Indonesian vets and paravets to assist in building their technical capabilities in FMD and LSD control and eradication. This will support the development and implementation of long-term communication strategies about FMD and LSD in Indonesia. Australia has supplied expertise to support Indonesia’s planning to establish domestic FMD vaccine production. FMD is considered endemic in Indonesia. Indonesian participants will be receiving training in international best practice approaches to biosecurity. Areas covered will include import risk analysis, border clearance processes, on shore management, disinfection treatments, and specific risk management associated with high priority transboundary plant pests and animal diseases including FMD and LSD among others.   Timor-Leste: Similarly, Australia is providing technical assistance to Timor-Leste to support FMD and LSD preparedness, capacity building including diagnostics, support for delivery of animal health surveys and awareness materials and provision of equipment. An example includes an LSD and FMD awareness and surveillance campaign that is currently being delivered in the municipalities of Timor-Leste that border West Timor, Indonesia. There is currently no FMD or LSD in Timor-Leste. In addition, Australia has delivered support for Timor-Leste’s African swine fever response and recovery arrangements. The Department funds the delivery of joint annual plant health surveys in Timor-Leste in partnership with Timor-Leste’s biosecurity agencies. According to the schedule, Biosecurity Development Program will be delivered in Timor-Leste between April 2023 and June 2026. The program is currently in the design phase and will complement and build on the training program occurring currently at the Biosecurity Training Centre.  Charles Sturt University and the department have been working closely with animal and plant quarantine colleagues in Timor-Leste and Indonesia to determine gaps in their capacity to detect and mitigate the risk of exotic disease entering through regulated pathways. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/812/kemin-aquascience-launches-pathorol-for-farmed-shrimp-health-in-multiple-asian-countries.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/812/kemin-aquascience-launches-pathorol-for-farmed-shrimp-health-in-multiple-asian-countries.html Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:56:11 +0530 Pathorol, a patent-pending product, was developed to support a healthy hepatopancreas and digestive system for shrimp Kemin Industries has launched Pathorol, a shrimp supplementation product that improves the health of the hepatopancreas, an organ in the crustacean's digestive tract, for customers in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. For shrimp to thrive in a farm-pond setting, maintaining healthy digestive systems is a key component in supporting good shrimp husbandry. Multiple agents contribute to slow or stunted growth in shrimp. Supporting a healthy digestive system is part of a multi-faceted set of tools producers can use to support healthy growth rates in shrimp. By protecting the hepatopancreas and its role in the secretion of digestive enzymes and absorption and storage of nutrients, producers can encourage healthy growth and yield outcomes in their shrimp ponds. Pathorol, a patent-pending product, was developed to support a healthy hepatopancreas and digestive system for shrimp and aid in maintaining healthy shrimp throughout their growth cycle. Pathorol is a unique blend of phytogenic compounds that have been shown to enhance the performance and productivity of pond-raised shrimp. By adding Pathorol to shrimp feed, producers can improve feed digestibility and growth performance and reduce size variability.  "Growth performance and productivity are essential for successful shrimp farming," said Leo Xie-Lei, President, of Kemin AquaScience. "To assist growers in overcoming challenges associated with maintaining healthy digestive systems throughout the growth cycle for farm-pond shrimp, we have launched Pathorol, an exceptional tool to aid in growth performance and reduce size variability for farm-pond shrimp. We believe the addition of Pathorol to shrimp diets will help producers achieve favourable performance parameters with their shrimp. We are thrilled to add this critical product to our portfolio, further showcasing our business unit's commitment to serving the global aquaculture industry." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/807/gsff-embarks-on-protecting-the-global-shrimp-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/807/gsff-embarks-on-protecting-the-global-shrimp-industry.html Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:36:07 +0530 Launches a new study to find effective ways to promote shrimp consumption with prime focus on Indonesia's mangrove conservation, aquaculture improvement and pre-competitive research The Global Shrimp Forum Foundation (GSFF), has launched analytical study to define the effective promotion of global shrimp consumption. Funds will be allocated to mangrove conservation, aquaculture improvement, and pre-competitive research projects. GSFF board will support Indonesia's mangrove conservation project. Furthermore, the GSFF has issued a call for a study to define how global shrimp consumption can be promoted effectively. Farmed shrimp production in Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the world is rising, creating many jobs and generating a supply of healthy proteins. To prevent shrimp prices from spiraling downward, however, the industry must ensure that demand increases as much as production. To achieve this, the industry must collectively start to market the benefits of eating shrimp. GSFF aims to define a collective narrative that every shrimp industry player could use globally when marketing. This includes the best channels to amplify the purpose, developing regionally relevant marketing tools or a combination of these tools, and more. GSFF aims to unify the industry and address the concerns through an aligned marketing effort. The GSFF board contributed a small but significant step in this endeavor. The outputs from this study will outline the best approaches, the steps to get there, and the associated costs to deliver the strategy. This will make it a reality. At the Global Shrimp Forum GSFF will convene industry leaders from Latin America, Asia, and other parts of the world. They will convene to discuss the status of ongoing marketing initiatives and look for synergies and best practices. One of the initiatives that will be discussed to support this, is the feasibility of establishing a “Global Shrimp Council”. This is one of thirteen projects currently implemented by the Forest Conservation Fund. In Dabong, more than 600 families will protect close to 3,000 hectares of mangroves and fishing grounds surrounding the mangrove forest. These areas will be better managed to benefit local communities and biodiversity. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/743/asian-agri-and-tanoto-foundation-sign-joint-agreement-with-pelalawan-district-government-to-combat-stunting.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/743/asian-agri-and-tanoto-foundation-sign-joint-agreement-with-pelalawan-district-government-to-combat-stunting.html Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:24:11 +0530 Sign Joint Agreement with Pelalawan District Government In support of the Indonesia government's efforts to combat stunting, Asian Agri and Tanoto Foundation signed a joint agreement with the Government of Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The agreement was signed by H. Nasarudin, Deputy Regent of Pelalawan who is also the Head of the Team for the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction (TPPS) and Gatot Sibuea, Group Manager of PT Inti Indosawit Subur (Asian Agri) Buatan Plantation. To prevent and reduce stunting rates in Pelalawan Regency, the cadre training for Posyandu or integrated health service post, a community-based initiative in Indonesia, will be carried out with the Family Assistance Team (TPK) together with the Asian Agri and Tanoto Foundation team in three villages in Pelalawan Regency, namely Delik Village, Lalangkabung Village, and Pelalawan Village. The TPK will be tasked with counselling mothers and expectant mothers, facilitating referral services, as well as the provision of social assistance and conducting monitoring of target families who are at risk of stunting. The Deputy Regent of Pelalawan, H. Nasarudin, said that stunting prevention is Indonesia's national program which requires collaboration from the Government and stakeholders, including the private sector. "We really appreciate Asian Agri and Tanoto Foundation for their commitment to help suppress stunting in Pelalawan Regency, especially in Delik Village, Lalangkabung Village, and Pelalawan Village. Through this collaboration, we hope to accelerate the reduction in the stunting rates in Pelalawan Regency. We hope that all companies in the Pelalawan Regency area will actively participate in implementing this program," he said. Gatot Sibuea, Group Manager of PT Inti Indosawit Subur (Asian Agri) Buatan Estate said that the commitment to support the Government's efforts to prevent stunting is a manifestation of the company's 5C principles, which is to what is good for the community, good for the country, good for the climate, good for the customer, and good for the company. "The signing of this joint agreement is a form of our commitment in terms of stunting prevention. Through this collaboration with the Regional Government of Pelalawan Regency and Tanoto Foundation, we hope to be able to assist the Government's efforts to reduce stunting rates in Pelalawan Regency. Through this joint effort, we hope to continue to provide benefits to the community, especially those around the company's operational areas," Gatot added. Asian Agri is a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation, also founded by Sukanto Tanoto and his wife, Tinah Bingei Tanoto. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/715/singapore-to-import-chicken-eggs-from-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/715/singapore-to-import-chicken-eggs-from-indonesia.html Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:58:22 +0530 Indonesia is a new source to export chicken eggs to Singapore The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved egg import from Indonesia to mitigate egg demand in Singapore.  According to the SFA, Indonesia is a new source to export chicken eggs to Singapore. SFA has accredited 18 countries to export eggs to Singapore including Indonesia. In December SFA approved egg import from Brunei. In 2019, 12 countries were exporting eggs to Singapore. Recently many countries were affected by bird flu outbreaks, which impacted egg and poultry production. At that time Singapore government temporarily imposed a ban on the import of poultry products from five countries. Singapore’s egg supply accounts for about 70 per cent. Singapore is developing its fourth egg farm, after getting fully operational, local egg farms will fulfil 50 per cent of Singapore’s egg demand. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/656/mari-oceans-launch-new-seaweed-farming-site-in-takalar-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/656/mari-oceans-launch-new-seaweed-farming-site-in-takalar-indonesia.html Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:36:13 +0530 MARI has also set up a seaweed drying platform or para para for drying fresh cottonii MARI Oceans have expanded its operations in South Sulawesi Indonesia, with its newest site in Takalar, onboarding 33 farmers bringing the total number of farmers benefiting from MARI's community-based seaweed farming enterprise to 50. "We are proud to achieve this important milestone in the MARI journey. Takalar was the right place to expand because of its strong seaweed farming tradition. We especially thank Pak Boedi Sardjana, who strongly supports MARI's expansion. Farmers' response has been great so far in Takalar and we look forward to serving the community," said Dodon Yamin, CEO of MARI Oceans. In the first few weeks of setting up in Takalar, the MARI team has held meetings with farmers and the diverse community, hired its first Site Officer – Shindu and conducted the first biosecurity training led by Quality and Farm Management Expert, Muhammad Irlan and Country Operations Manager, Anis Nur Aini. MARI has also set up a seaweed drying platform or para para for drying fresh cottonii. Going forward, the team plans to follow up with farmers on their recent harvest, encourage more farmers to cultivate and provide high-quality seedlings by implementing SOPs for seedling cultivation and conduct more personalised training for Takalar farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/633/indonesia-and-malaysia-reach-an-understanding-on-hydrogen-gas-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/633/indonesia-and-malaysia-reach-an-understanding-on-hydrogen-gas-investment.html Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:34:05 +0530 Malaysia has obtained an understanding with the Indonesian government over the investment and supply of hydrogen gas to Nusantara, the neighbouring country’s new capital city in East Kalimantan. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Indonesian President Joko Widodo had previously informed him of the understanding between the Sarawak state government and Indonesia. This development is very helpful in gaining investor confidence. At the local media conference, Sarawak premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg spoke about the state government's hydrogen-related investment in Nusantara with Jokowi. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/586/indonesia-strengthens-digital-connectivity-by-enhancing-5g-network-in-maritime-area.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/586/indonesia-strengthens-digital-connectivity-by-enhancing-5g-network-in-maritime-area.html Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:43:00 +0530 The collaboration aims to support fisheries and marine tourism sectors by strengthening digital connectivity for the acceleration of national economic growth Indonesia's leading digital telecommunications company, Telkomsel has collaborated with ZTE Corporation to synergize the testing of the 5G network capability. The efforts will increase the coverage of broadband services focusing country’s maritime area.  A key objective of the collaboration is to accelerate economic growth by enabling the development of the fisheries and marine tourism sectors through the provision of digital connectivity. Additionally, the initiative will assist Indonesia in meeting the growing demand for communication access in the maritime area. Through synergistic testing, 5G network capabilities are expected to be enhanced using the 2.3GHz frequency band. Together with ZTE, Telkomsel is testing the coverage of 5G transmitters in Gorontalo using the 2.3GHz spectrum. ZTE provides network solutions to Telkomsel to increase the capacity and quality of its maritime broadband networks. ZTE's 5G radio device with Active Antenna technology, which can reach up to 60 km in radius, is the solution used to improve coverage and quality of broadband networks in Indonesia's maritime area. This trial was carried out in the Gorontalo province of Indonesia which is known for its tremendous maritime potential, with a coastline of 903.7 km, where the naval sector is a major economic driver for the region. Data from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service stated that in 2019, around 19,013 fishermen were dependent on the maritime industry. Thus, the availability of communication network infrastructure and internet access is one of the essential requirements to support the growth and acceleration of a digital-based economy. Nugroho, Telkomsel Director of Network, said: "By strategically collaborating with cross-industry players such as ZTE, Telkomsel can support the national digital transformation roadmap using innovative 5G technology. Through this collaboration in testing 5G broadband services in the maritime sector, we hope to improve access to digital telecommunications further, simultaneously accelerating digital economic growth in the Gorontalo region more inclusively and sustainably." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/580/brankas-launches-asia-pacifics-first-multi-bank-api-to-assist-fisheries-and-farms.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/580/brankas-launches-asia-pacifics-first-multi-bank-api-to-assist-fisheries-and-farms.html Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:11:00 +0530 Aids Indonesia and the Philippines with an instant Account Opening API which is integrated with four banks in enabling an "embedded finance" experience in any app. Open finance leader Brankas has announced a new feature enabling Indonesia and the Philippines fisheries and farm employees with a facility of instant bank account opening as an "embedded finance" experience on third-party applications. The new Application Programming Interface (API) is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, launched first in Indonesia and the Philippines. As a bundle with Brankas' market-leading data and payment solutions, any merchant or consumer app can provide fintech experiences to their users. "Account Opening API provides a single integration across multiple banks that enables access to the unbanked and provides essential infrastructure for the next generation of fintech solutions. Open Finance can be a catalyst for financial inclusion, and requires close partnerships between forward-thinking banks, API technology experts, and our enterprise customers onboarding new account holders" said Todd Schweitzer, CEO and Co-founder of Brankas. "As a Bank Indonesia (BI) licensed financial services provider, Brankas sees tremendous potential in reaching out to the unbanked and underserved population across the region to get access to modern financial services. Banking-as-a-Service helps to power everyday financial services relevant to communities as diverse as fisheries, farms, drivers, accounting, and HRMS. We are excited to see our new Account Opening API being used to give consumers and SME/UMKM access to loans, investments, and a wide range of payment methods." said Husni Fuad, Country Manager, Brankas Indonesia. Using the new Account Opening API as part of Brankas' wider banking API suite, companies offering financial management, e-wallets, brokerages and more can now offer their users interest-bearing, regulated savings accounts as an embedded feature. HR platforms, ecommerce marketplaces and lenders can also provide users with savings accounts for collections and disbursements. The new Brankas solution also helps small businesses to unlock new revenue by onboarding newly banked customers in hard to reach areas. Brankas also offers retail and corporate account creation in the Philippines, powered by Netbank. With an established network across the Asia-Pacific region, Brankas is integrated with over 100 enterprise partners to enable broader financial inclusion, In open banking, APIs act as a secure channel through which financial institutions can share customer datawith authorised TPPs. This data sharing allows TPPs to develop new products and services that can be used by bank customers to manage their finances in new and innovative ways. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/567/indonesia-launches-national-strategy-for-digitizing-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/567/indonesia-launches-national-strategy-for-digitizing-agriculture.html Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:10:50 +0530 Launched the “e-Agriculture National Strategy" aiming to harness data and information resources in agriculture for the benefit of smallholders The Center of Agricultural Data and System Information (CADIS) of the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched an agriculture digitalization strategy called the “e-Agriculture National Strategy.” Aims to harness data and information resources in agriculture for the benefit of smallholders. According to the FAO, Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world and a major producer of agricultural products. With 45 percent of the population living in rural areas, more than 90 percent of people working in the agriculture sector are smallholder farmers. Agricultural farms take up 32 percent of the total land area of the country and farm production accounts for 14 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP). Yet agricultural production faces several major challenges. The cost of agricultural production is quite high, while agriculture remains a highly labor-intensive sector. Smallholder farmers always work the hardest, but acquire the least benefit in the food systems activities. To address those challenges and take advantage of emerging digital opportunities, the MoA, in cooperation with the FAO, has launched the “e-Agriculture National Strategy.” "It is very important to note that the Ministry of Agriculture’s (MoA’s) cooperation with FAO has accelerated agricultural development in the country. The ‘e-Agriculture National Strategy’ can provide instrument facilitation that is urgently needed by the MoA to accelerate our agriculture development in the upstream, on farm, post-harvest, for the farmers to strengthen their position agricultural industry," said secretary general of the ministry, Kasdi Soebagyono, Data on land area under cultivation, productivity, marketing channels, commodity prices, diversification of consumption, and food safety are some examples of data related to agriculture production that are needed by policy makers, he informed. Early Warning System (EWS) data that can reduce the impact of specific disasters is also urgently needed. Among other things, the “e-Agriculture National Strategy” states that by 2027, Indonesia will have an integrated database on farmlands and farmers, provide digital early warning for disasters that threaten agriculture production, and run systems for agriculture data collection, extraction, and analysis. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/470/adb-dsng-sign-sustainability-linked-loan-to-support-agroforestry-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/470/adb-dsng-sign-sustainability-linked-loan-to-support-agroforestry-in-indonesia.html Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:51:51 +0530 A $500,000 technical assistance grant administered by ADB will provide capacity building in climate-resilient agricultural practices. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $15 million loan facility with PT Dharma Satya Nusantara Tbk (DSNG) to help the company expand sustainable wood processing, rural livelihood development, and climate-resilient agroforestry in Java, Indonesia. The ADB proceeds will finance capital expenditure to implement energy-efficient and water-saving processes, and procurement of cultivated native Indonesian Sengon and Jabon trees. Farmed native trees can be a sustainable alternative to natural timber, preventing deforestation and supporting biodiversity.  DSNG sources timber from Central, East, and West Java. The majority of Sengon and Jabon trees are cultivated by smallholder farmers and intercropped with various other crops including coffee, corn, and rice. As well as enabling the utilisation of otherwise unproductive land, intercropping trees with food crops can reduce erosion, enhance soil health, and in many cases improve crop yields.  “The region faces increasing climate shocks, impacting livelihoods, food, water, and health for millions of people with women disproportionately affected,” said ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department Senior Investment Specialist Carine Donges. “ADB’s assistance will promote sustainable and inclusive agroforestry, preventing deforestation and supporting biodiversity, while demonstrating how the private sector can improve rural livelihoods and climate resilience through innovative sourcing models and by providing training to farmers.” A $500,000 technical assistance grant administered by ADB will provide capacity building in climate-resilient agricultural practices for complex agroforestry systems and financial literacy to about 4,000 farmers, at least 1,200 of them women.  As a sustainability-linked loan, this financing demonstrates ADB’s and DSNG’s commitment to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. It is DSNG’s first sustainability-linked financing, with adjustments in pricing upon achieving pre-defined annual sustainability targets, including training farmers to obtain forest management certification from the Forest Stewardship Council. The sustainability-linked loan has received an independent second-party opinion, consistent with industry principles.    “Sustainability is embedded in how DSNG runs its business, and we are constantly driving ourselves to achieve value and positive impacts. This sustainability-linked loan with ADB dovetails with our vision to be a business that is responsible for our people, our planet and our common prosperity,” said Jenti Widjaja DSNG Director. “By incorporating sustainability metrics through key aspects of our business, from our supply chain and operations to financing, we aim to strengthen the alignment between creating value and delivering positive impacts for all of our stakeholders in our wood business.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/431/asian-producers-would-stop-palm-oil-export-to-eu-after-a-new-law.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/431/asian-producers-would-stop-palm-oil-export-to-eu-after-a-new-law.html Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:34:21 +0530 The EU is a major palm oil importer and the law agreed to in December, has raised an outcry from Indonesia and Malaysia. Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producers, have decided to jointly deal with the latest EU act on deforestation affecting palm oil exports. The European Union previously announced that it planned to restrict the import of palm oil products involved in deforestation in the production process. Malaysia is actively discussing with Indonesia the feasibility of completely stopping the export of palm oil to the EU. The EU is a major palm oil importer and the law agreed to in December, has raised an outcry from Indonesia and Malaysia, the top producers. According to the local media, if both countries need to engage experts from overseas to counter whatever move by the EU, they will do it. Or else Malaysia and Indonesia could just stop exports to Europe and will focus on other countries. Environmental activities blame the palm oil industry for the rampant clearing of Southeast Asian rainforests, though Indonesia and Malaysia have created sustainability certification standards mandatory for all plantations. Malaysia urged the members of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to work together against the new law. Allegations made by the EU and the United States about the sustainability of palm oil are baseless said the Malaysian Government. CPOPC, which is led by Indonesia and Malaysia, has previously accused the EU of unfairly targeting palm oil. Responding to Malaysia, the EU’s ambassador to Malaysia said it was not banning any imports of palm oil from the country and denied that its deforestation law created barriers to Malaysian exports. The EU is the world’s third-largest palm oil consumer, according to Malaysian Palm Oil Board data. It accounts for 9.4 per cent of palm oil exports from Malaysia, taking 1.47 million tonnes in 2022, down 10.5 per cent from a year earlier. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/418/lexasure-partners-with-agrion-to-offer-mobile-agri-insurance-to-farmers-in-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/418/lexasure-partners-with-agrion-to-offer-mobile-agri-insurance-to-farmers-in-indonesia.html Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:14:51 +0530 Flourish, will be integrated with the AgriON app, providing easy access to purchase and manage agricultural insurance. Lexasure Financial Group, a leading reinsurance and insurtech provider in Southeast Asia, has partnered with AgriON: PT iSAN to offer easily accessible, mobile agriculture insurance products to thousands of smaller farmers in Indonesia. AgriON promotes financial inclusion for Indonesia's farmers through a mobile fintech platform that includes a digital bank account, digital loans for seeds, fertilizer, and farming tools, automated payments, and tools to benchmark yield, sales, and productivity. Currently, more than 4,000 farmers are registered with the AgriON platform in Indonesia, which is expected to grow to 20,000 by the end of 2023. Under the strategic partnership, Lexasure's digital insurance offering for farmers, Flourish, will be integrated with the AgriON app, providing easy access to purchase and manage agricultural insurance to provide farmers with greater resiliency against adverse events. The launch of Flourish with the AgriON app is planned for the first quarter of 2023. "AgriON is doing groundbreaking work by bringing a suite of digital banking and management tools to smaller farmers across Indonesia, a sector that has historically been unbanked or underbanked without access to credit or high-quality inputs to drive productivity," said Ian Lim, Founder & CEO of Lexasure Financial Group. "For this reason, they make an ideal channel partner for Lexasure's Flourish digital insurance offering for farmers, enabling producers to achieve resiliency and have a solid foundation for productivity growth and investment. Our shared goal is to leverage digital tools to create scalable, cost-effective fintech products that are adapted to the needs of customers in Southeast Asia and promote food security for the region." Insurance products that will be available on the platform will include crop insurance, livestock & bloodstock (Equine Insurance), and agriculture machinery and equipment insurance, provided through licensed insurers in Indonesia.  In addition to financial solutions, AgriON enables the traceability and sustainability of farmers' products using digital technology, thereby empowering farmers to maximize the yield and value of their products when using sustainable farming practices. "Digital insurers are now fully aware that the digital transformation of the insurance industry is well underway," Lim added. "We will continue to pursue innovative partnerships to help our clients digitize the entire insurance value chain and reach underserved populations across the region." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/327/iucn-and-fao-to-lead-flagship-forest-programme-in-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/327/iucn-and-fao-to-lead-flagship-forest-programme-in-southeast-asia.html Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:00:41 +0530 IUCN and FAO selected as lead agencies for the Global Environment Facility’s Indo-Malay Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programme The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will lead the Indo-Malaya Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programme of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This flagship GEF programme will support countries in conserving globally critical intact forest landscapes through interventions inside and outside protected areas. The Indo-Malaya Critical Forest Biome Integrated Program will be open to Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The region’s 63 million hectares of primary forests, or intact forest landscapes that have not been influenced by human activities, are home to more than 5000 threatened species, store millions of tonne of carbon, and support millions of livelihoods, especially of Indigenous Peoples. In the past 20 years, the region lost more than 17 million hectares of primary forest due to agricultural expansion, mining, illegal logging, and infrastructure projects. “Primary forest landscapes provide unique ecosystem benefits and functions that cannot be replaced. The Indo-Malaya Critical Forest Biome Integrated Program will provide critical support to key Asian countries and subregions in protecting these vital ecosystems and contribute towards their climate and biodiversity targets”, says Dindo Campilan, IUCN Asia Regional Director. The Indo-Malaya programme is part of the GEF’s programming directions for 2022–2026, a programming period known as GEF-8. The programme will aim to secure the integrity of the critical tropical forests of the Indo-Malay Biome for the benefit of people and nature by strengthening the governance, management, investments, partnerships and capacity building for area-based conservation and sustainable forest landscapes in the region by expanding and strengthening the management of protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) outside protected areas, promoting alternative and improved livelihoods and creating an enabling environment. “Our primary forests are under threat, and the biodiversity, clean water, natural heritage, and healthy ecosystems they provide are under threat too,” says Sheila Wertz-Kanounnikoff, FAO Senior Forestry Officer and Forestry and Biodiversity Module Leader. “In partnership with IUCN, our joint leadership of the GEF’s Indo-Malaya Critical Forest Biome Integrated Program will help countries in the region conserve these forests and ensure they remain part of the solution to the global biodiversity and climate crises.” The 63rd Council Meeting of the GEF selected IUCN to lead and FAO to co-lead the programme for their collective leadership in protected area governance and management, rights-based conservation, forest landscape governance and management, and the agriculture, forest and other land use sectors. The programme will build on the comparative strengths of IUCN and FAO to create enabling policies for integrated planning and governance reforms, by establishing partnerships and leveraging investments to maximise global environmental benefits, poverty alleviation and improved economic development. IUCN and FAO are implementing agencies of the GEF, a partnership of 18 agencies and 183 countries which addresses the world’s most challenging environmental issues related to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, chemicals, and international waters. GEF provides grants to countries to meet these challenges whilst contributing to key development goals, such as food security. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/315/adb-approves-93-mn-loan-for-indonesia-shrimp-farming-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/117/315/adb-approves-93-mn-loan-for-indonesia-shrimp-farming-sector.html Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:19:30 +0530 The project will improve smallholder farmers’ access to quality inputs, production, and post-harvest practices and traceability through investments in climate adaptive infrastructure, capacity building, and strengthening of value chains. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $93 million loan to enhance shrimp farming by smallholder farmers in seven provinces in Indonesia. The Infrastructure Improvement for Shrimp Aquaculture Project will help the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries introduce sustainable shrimp aquaculture to boost the productivity, quality, profitability, and environmental sustainability of smallholders’ shrimp farming in the provinces of Bali, Banten, Central Java, East Java, Lampung, Nangro Aceh Darusalam, and South Sulawesi. “Indonesia is a key player in the global shrimp market, ranking among the top five shrimp producers in the world with a global market share of 8.7 per cent and export markets in the European Union, Japan, and the United States,” said Eric Quincieu, ADB Principal Water Resources Specialist for Southeast Asia. “Through ADB’s assistance, we expect that sustainable aquaculture practices will help reduce pressure on the ecosystem while boosting productivity.” The project will improve smallholder farmers’ access to quality inputs, production, and post-harvest practices and traceability through investments in climate adaptive infrastructure, capacity building, and strengthening of value chains. The project will also facilitate the transfer of knowledge in producing high-quality genetic shrimp fry to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries to reduce reliance on imported brood stock. About 5,200 smallholder farmers, including more than a thousand women farmers, will benefit from improved infrastructure and capacity. About 35,000 smallholder farmers, of which about 7,000 are women, will benefit from improved access to quality inputs and capacity building programs on sustainable and climate adaptive aquaculture. The project will also contribute to COVID-19 pandemic recovery by providing employment opportunities and promoting rural entrepreneurship. The project is in line with the government’s National Medium-Term Development Plan, 2020­–2024 and ADB’s country partnership strategy for Indonesia, 2020­–2024, and its Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies. ]]>