The Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantin), through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office of South Sumatra, facilitated the first export of dried vanilla and other spice powders from the region to France in the first week of July 2024. "The volume of vanilla and spice powders exported is limited to only a few kilograms, primarily as samples," said Kostan Manalu, Head of the South Sumatra Quarantine Office, in Palembang on Sunday. Kostan explained that the office ensured the health quality of 10 kilograms of dried vanilla exported through Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin (SMB) II Airport in Palembang. In addition to dried vanilla, the office also facilitated the export of various spice powders, including 50 grams each of vanilla powder, mace powder, clove powder, nutmeg powder, ginger powder, and turmeric powder. "We are committed to supporting South Sumatra commodities for export, following the directives of Barantin Head Sahat Panggabean, by ensuring that these 'green gold' commodities are free from pests and meet the technical requirements of the destination countries," he said. Vanilla is a leading commodity from South Sumatra with significant export potential, contributing to the local economy. One of the vanilla-producing areas is Cacar Village in Musi Rawas Regency.
Barantin serves as an 'economic tool' to facilitate the trade of agricultural and fishery commodities, ensuring they meet the technical and health requirements of the importing countries. According to Kostan, agricultural and fishery products must comply with the technical standards of the destination countries before export to ensure acceptance. Barantin oversees and controls the safety and quality of food under Law No. 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine. Based on this law, all animal, fish, and plant commodities must be reported to Quarantine. Therefore, vanilla, known for its aromatic and flavorful qualities, must be reported to Barantin officers. After quarantine procedures and health clearance, quarantine officers issue a phytosanitary certificate, guaranteeing the commodity's health for export. Barantin also supports the sustainability of exporting key commodities to improve farmers' welfare, according to Kostan Manalu, Head of the South Sumatra Quarantine Office.
