The Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) of South Sumatra reported that tea from the Dempo Mountain region in Pagaralam, South Sumatra, is increasingly popular among consumers in several Asian and European countries, thanks to its unique taste and fragrant aroma. According to BKHIT Head Kostan Manalu, countries such as Malaysia, China, Pakistan, Turkey, and Romania have shown a growing preference for this tea. The powdered tea from Pagaralam is particularly favored in these export markets for its distinctive aroma and flavor. To maintain the export quality standards, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, through BKHIT South Sumatra, conducts inspections at production, packaging, and storage sites. These inspections ensure that the tea processing is modern, hygienic, and meets the food safety standards required by the export destination countries.
In line with the directives from the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Sahat M. Panggabean, efforts are being made to facilitate sustainable international trade. Strict quarantine measures, including physical inspections, laboratory testing, and the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, are implemented. Thanks to internationally recognized processing and quarantine standards, the volume of Pagaralam tea exports and the number of destination countries have increased in recent years. From January to July 2024, Pagaralam tea exports to Malaysia and Pakistan reached 142.5 tons, valued at IDR 3 billion. In 2022, exports to China, Turkey, and Romania totaled 181.5 tons with a value of IDR 3.5 billion, rising to 466.1 tons in 2023, valued at IDR 8.7 billion, according to the Head of BKHIT South Sumatra.
