The Mataram Fish Quarantine and Quality Control Center (BKIPM) noted that the export value of sea pearls from West Nusa Tenggara to various countries reached IDR 82.35 billion in 2021 compared to the previous year of IDR 8.79 billion. According to him, the relatively high increase in the export value of NTB sea pearls was due to the increase in export destination countries in line with the relatively improving global economic conditions, although still in the COVID-19 pandemic situation. "Demand for NTB sea pearls from various countries will increase in 2021 compared to the previous year, even in early 2022, shipments to foreign countries have begun to be crowded," said Head of BKIPM Mataram Obing H.A, in Mataram, Sunday. He mentioned the export destinations of NTB sea pearls in 2021, namely Australia worth IDR 78.63 billion, China worth IDR 745.23 million, Hong Kong worth IDR 2.66 billion, India worth IDR 279 million, Taiwan IDR 2 million, and the United States worth IDR 76.40 million. In 2020, continued Obing, exports of NTB sea pearls were only to four countries, namely Australia worth IDR 5.49 billion, Hong Kong worth IDR 2.93 billion, India worth IDR 366 million, and the United Arab Emirates worth IDR 8.51 million. "NTB sea pearls do have their own quality, hopefully, the export value this year can be even higher than the previous year," he said.

He said his party would continue to assist fishery commodity business actors, especially those with export potential so that they remain committed to maintaining the quality of products sent abroad. "Therefore, before sending the pearls, we first check their authenticity and monitor the cultivation of the shellfish, so that there is no disease in the shells. After passing the inspection, the export certificate will be issued," said Obing. The Mataram BKIPM Service Coordinator, Ni Luh Anggra Lasmika, added that the NTB sea pearl has long been famous in various countries and has been dubbed the South Sea Pearl. "Sea pearls that are famous in the Asian region are from Indonesia, especially those cultivated in the waters of the Lombok sea. So this type of southern sea pearl is very difficult to cultivate in the waters of other countries," he said.

Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2660529/ekspor-mutiara-ntb-meningkat-jadi-rp8235-miliar-pada-2021