The Indonesian Quarantine Agency, through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of South Sumatra (Karantina Sumsel), ensures that the standards of tea from South Sumatra comply with the requirements of the destination countries, reflecting the rise in tea exports. On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, it was reported that tea from South Sumatra had achieved significant success. From January to July 2024, 142.5 tons of tea, mostly in powder form valued at IDR 3 billion, have successfully entered the markets of Malaysia and Pakistan. Kostan Manalu, the Head of Karantina Sumsel, emphasized the critical role of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency in ensuring that exported tea products meet food safety standards and technical requirements of the destination countries. He explained that a series of quarantine actions are carried out rigorously, including physical examinations, laboratory testing, and the issuance of phytosanitary certificates.

Kostan further noted that the export growth of South Sumatra tea has been significant year after year. In 2022, the total tea exports reached 181.5 tons with a value of IDR 3.5 billion. In 2023, the volume increased to 466.1 tons, valued at IDR 8.7 billion. Besides Malaysia and Pakistan, other regular export destinations for South Sumatra tea include China, Romania, and Turkey. The main attraction for the international market is the powdered tea from Pagaralam, which has a distinctive fragrant aroma and unique taste. This tea has undergone modern and hygienic processing, meeting the food safety standards of the export destination countries. This is evidenced by the increased frequency of shipments, totaling nine times within seven months. In line with the directions of the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Sahat M. Panggabean, the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of South Sumatra will provide support for export trade facilitation to ensure the sustainability of exports. Kostan acknowledged the hard work of farmers, business actors, and support from both local and central governments, highlighting their collective efforts to improve community welfare and advance the agricultural sector.

Source: https://www.rri.co.id/stunting/942513/barantin-pastikan-pemenuhan-standar-ekspor-teh-sumsel