In the first quarter of 2024, pearl exports from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) reached USD 953,989. This export figure was distributed as follows: USD 749,978 in January, USD 73,579 in February, and USD 131,014 in March. NTB pearls stand out as a prominent export commodity, shipped to eight countries including China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, India, the United States, and Australia. Japan emerged as the top destination for pearl exports, totaling USD 399,238, followed by China with USD 376,175, Hong Kong with USD 107,940, Thailand with USD 53,358, the United States with USD 9,139, Australia with USD 6,346, India with USD 1,711, and the United Arab Emirates with USD 80.

According to Baiq Nelly Yuniarti, Head of the NTB Provincial Trade Service, pearls from Sekotong are globally recognized, yet local communities in NTB have not fully benefited from this marine produce. Nelly highlights the need for local pearls to circulate within NTB, serving as raw materials for MSMEs. She emphasizes the challenge of local entrepreneurs having to venture outside the region to obtain pearls, calling for local initiatives to streamline pearl acquisition. Although pearl farms are foreign-owned, maintaining strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) with all harvests exported abroad, Nelly urges these entities to allocate a portion of their produce to local entrepreneurs. She stresses the importance of official documentation from village chiefs for this allocation. Given the substantial value of marine resources, Nelly urges the local government to proactively support and mentor local pearl cultivators, enhancing the potential of pearl-based MSMEs in the future.

Source: https://www.suarantb.com/2024/06/05/kuartal-pertama-2024-nilai-ekspor-mutiara-mencapai-usd-953-989/