The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in San Francisco, on January 17, 2024, visited the Raphio Chocolate company in Fresno, California, as part of its economic diplomacy mission. Raphio Chocolate, an SME initiated by Indonesian diaspora couple Yohanes and Elisia, specializes in cocoa export and artisanal chocolate production. Consul General Prasetyo Hadi expressed the importance of trade collaboration, particularly with diaspora, to enhance economic ties. The consulate praised Raphio Chocolate for building an environmentally friendly and sustainable ecosystem for cocoa and chocolate production. Acknowledging their achievements in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian chocolate products, the consulate identified key challenges and opportunities in the US cocoa business, including export licensing issues and the need to build trust in the quality of Indonesian cocoa. In terms of quantity, BPS data showed that Indonesia exported 48,158.29 tons of cocoa to the US in 2023, amounting to USD 187.26 million, marking a 0.4% increase from 2022. Despite being the second-largest export destination for Indonesian cocoa after India, the US contributed significantly, accounting for 48.4% of total exports in 2023. KJRI San Francisco, in collaboration with Raphio Chocolate, aims to boost Indonesian cocoa exports to the US, penetrate the artisanal chocolate market in the West Coast, and add value for cocoa farmers and the Indonesian chocolate industry.
Diaspora Indonesia plays a crucial role as part of RI Representatives' partners, promoting and strengthening synergy with business partners to advance economic diplomacy for Indonesia's economic growth. Consul General Prasetyo emphasized leveraging the 75th diplomatic relations anniversary in 2024 to strengthen economic diplomacy, requiring collaboration with partners and diaspora. Raphio Chocolate, established in 2016, has successfully distributed its artisanal chocolate products to nearly 100 stores across the US. As an active member of the Indonesian Cocoa Society (MKI) and the US cocoa and chocolate business community, Raphio Chocolate imports cocoa beans from Indonesia and other countries. The consulate aims to optimize promotional activities with Raphio Chocolate, fostering greater recognition and demand for Indonesian products among the American populace. Consul General Prasetyo highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in economic diplomacy and encouraged utilizing the diplomatic relations milestone to fortify ties and promote Indonesian products in the US.
