In 2023, the value of cultivated pearl shipments from Lombok's waters saw a remarkable surge, reaching half a trillion IDR, as reported by BKIPM Mataram. A substantial increase compared to 2022, where domestic traffic of Lombok's pearl commodities amounted to over IDR 48.6 billion, and total exports surpassed IDR 160.6 billion. In 2023, domestic shipments soared to over IDR 77.4 billion, and exports reached over IDR 430.5 billion. Summing up the annual figures, including both domestic and international shipments, Lombok's pearl shipments in 2022 amounted to over IDR 209.2 billion, escalating to over IDR 507.9 billion in 2023. The destinations for Lombok pearl exports in 2023 included countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, China, Thailand, the United States, India, Switzerland, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the Philippines, Spain, North Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, France, Belgium, Denmark, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Macau, New Zealand, Turkey, Poland, Croatia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Ni Luh Anggra Lasmika, Acting Head of BKIPM Mataram, expressed gratitude for Lombok's suitable waters for cultivating South Sea pearls. She emphasized the scarcity of regions globally suitable for South Sea pearl cultivation.
In 2023, pearl prices surged, attracting foreign investors who directly shopped for pearl stocks. Every pearl shipment, whether domestic or international, requires online reporting by individuals or companies. BKIPM conducts physical checks and issues Health Certificates (HC) before shipping. South Sea Pearls, produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster, boast sizes from 9 to 17 mm, featuring near-perfect round shapes and falling into the baroque category. They exhibit a golden-white color with a sparkling blue, silver, green, and red surface when exposed to light, adding aesthetic value and beauty. The cultivation and processing of these pearls are intricate and time-consuming, taking up to four years for certain types. Due to production limitations, South Sea Pearls are highly exclusive, originating only from specific regions like the South China Sea, encompassing Southeast Asian countries and surrounding areas such as Myanmar, Australia, and Indonesia. Consequently, South Sea Pearls are considered among the most expensive and sought-after pearls in the international jewelry market.
Source: https://www.suarantb.com/2024/01/11/nilai-kiriman-mutiara-lombok-tahun-2023-mencapai-rp500-miliar/
