The cultivation and industrialization of eucalyptus (kayu putih) oil are being actively promoted in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to support forest farmers. The development of essential oil industries, including the operation of eucalyptus oil processing factories, is progressing. Julmansyah, Head of the NTB Provincial Environment and Forestry Service, stated that the industrialization of eucalyptus essential oil has been encouraged for the past four years. A collaboration agreement has been established for a social forestry location with the CV Galih Tulen eucalyptus oil factory in Timbanuh Pringgasela village. "The cooperation agreement facilitated by KPH includes two loci for eucalyptus raw materials in Lombok: one in KPH Pelangan Tastura, covering Praya Barat, and the other in Sambelia, Gunung Malang, and surrounding areas," Julmansyah said on Tuesday, June 11.
These regions supply raw materials to the CV Galih Tulen eucalyptus oil factory in Timbanuh Pringgasela, which currently operates with an average production of 2 tons per day. One ton (1,000 kg) of raw eucalyptus yields approximately 10 liters of essential oil. "The market for eucalyptus oil is vast. Currently, we import about 70% of eucalyptus oil. Therefore, we are promoting local eucalyptus cultivation," he added. Eucalyptus is not consumed by livestock and thrives in extreme climates, with greener leaves during drought conditions. In addition to Lombok, an operational eucalyptus oil factory exists in Bima, which has a 30,000-hectare HGU (land use right). Eucalyptus cultivation is expanding in South East Lombok, North Lombok Regency (KLU), East Lombok (Loti) in areas like Sambelia and Pringgabaya, and Jerowaru. It is also growing in North Tambora at PT Sanggar Agro and various KPH areas on Sumbawa Island. "There are only two investors so far, one in Tambora and the other entering Bima, with a factory capacity of 70 tons per day. We continue to promote eucalyptus cultivation and are preparing a permanent nursery in Rembitan Village, Central Lombok, with a capacity of 5 million seedlings," he explained. Most eucalyptus seedlings will be distributed free to farmers with dry land. The physical construction is nearing completion and is targeted for inauguration by the Minister of Environment and Forestry or the president before September 2024.
