JAKARTA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia shipped 351 tons of kratom products in 13 containers, valued at 1.053 million U.S. dollars, from Cikarang, West Java, to the United States and Europe on Friday.
"We hope this first export of kratom products will serve as growing momentum to expand export markets for Indonesian products, while also boosting the national economy," said Minister of Trade Budi Santoso.
According to Budi, kratom was previously exported in raw form, which harmed farmers due to low prices and poor quality.
However, starting in late 2024, the government has implemented new export trade restrictions, allowing only processed or powdered kratom with a maximum size of 600 microns to be exported.
The ministry has appointed PT Sucofindo as the surveyor responsible for verifying kratom exports to ensure they meet the set quality requirements.
Budi expects that this regulation will benefit farmers and the industry while also encouraging downstream processing to add value. ■
