The West Java Provincial Government is exploring the export of coffee and cocoa from Parahyangan to the Philippines to strengthen its export portfolio, which currently includes manufacturing and tea. Head of the West Java Industry and Trade Office, Noneng Komara Nengsih, stated that this initiative involves bringing potential buyers from the Philippines to inspect coffee and cocoa plantations in South Bandung. "This time, we have 60 potential buyers. Hopefully, this number will increase because the Philippines has been a significant export partner. With this coffee export opportunity, we hope to increase agricultural commodity exports, which have primarily been manufacturing products, with only tea as the agricultural export," said Noneng after the Indonesia-Philippines Business Matching event at Gedung Sate Bandung on Tuesday, 25 June 2024. To date, West Java has exported various products, including processed goods, agricultural products, and oil and gas. Coffee and cocoa, both as raw beans and processed products, are among the province's potential export commodities. From January to April 2024, West Java's coffee exports amounted to USD 782,000, primarily to Thailand, Malaysia, and the United States, marking an 11.6% increase from 2023. Cocoa exports from the province also rose by 59% from 2023, with significant shipments to India, Australia, and Russia.

At the same event, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Agus Widjojo, highlighted the strong foundation of Indonesia-Philippines relations, which span trade, security, education, and cultural exchange for around 75 years. He emphasized the substantial potential for collaboration in coffee and cocoa exports, given the long-standing tradition of coffee and cocoa cultivation and consumption in both countries. "This is a mutually beneficial collaboration. I believe there will be many opportunities for Indonesian and Filipino coffee and cocoa entrepreneurs to work together, sharing knowledge and expertise," Agus said. He expressed hope that this partnership would form a robust coffee network between Indonesia and the Philippines, enhancing bilateral trade. Agus also assured that the Indonesian Embassy in Manila is ready to facilitate and collaborate with West Java Province, not only in promoting coffee and cocoa but also in dynamic tourism and cultural cooperation. This initiative aims to strengthen the supply chain and jointly market products to the global market, benefiting entrepreneurs and bolstering Indonesia-Philippines bilateral relations.

Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4189185/jabar-jajaki-ekspor-kopi-kakao-ke-filipina