The Innovation Producer Cooperative Nilam Aceh (Inovac), in synergy with PT Nat' Green, has established a subsidiary, PT UGreen Aromatics International (UGreen), exporting 1.2 tons of raw materials for fragrance production, valued at IDR 1 billion, to France. Nadia, Chairperson of Inovac Cooperative, explained that through UGreen, the cooperative regularly exports patchouli oil to France every three months. However, current production from the farmers affiliated with Inovac Cooperative still falls short of meeting France's raw material demand of 6 tons. Most farmers are currently experiencing a lack of capital for patchouli cultivation. Nadia hopes for support from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (KemenKopUKM) through the Revolving Fund Distribution Institution (LPDB)-SMEs to aid farmers in meeting patchouli oil export needs to France. Inovac, established in 2019, boasts hundreds of members, totaling 500 farmers and distillers under its guidance. Despite not all members being active yet, the cooperative has achieved a monthly turnover of up to IDR 200 million from selling patchouli oil, nutmeg, and derivatives such as perfumes, essential oils, body butter, and body mist.
The cooperative collaborates with PT Elang Timur Group as the main distributor, purchasing approximately IDR 150 million monthly for marketing collaboration within and outside Aceh. Production began in early 2020, with extensive operations in 2022, culminating in BPOM certification in 2021. Inovac Cooperative works closely with the Atsiri Research Center (ARC), receiving training and guidance for patchouli oil management and product development. Syaifullah Muhammad, Director of ARC, emphasizes the intervention in Aceh's patchouli industry due to its decline in recent years. With Aceh being the source of the best patchouli oil, innovation and knowledge dissemination are crucial for revitalization. In business, Inovac Cooperative collaborates with French company Nat Green, forming a joint venture or U Green subsidiary tasked with exporting activities to France since 2022. In the subsidiary ownership, Inovac Cooperative holds 60%, and Nat Green holds 40%. Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki officiated the fifth patchouli oil and nutmeg export to France, valued at approximately IDR 1 billion. Syaifullah highlights the superior quality of Aceh's patchouli oil, preferred by the perfume industry in France and utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for its anti-aging properties.
