The Indonesian government is actively promoting the development of competitive regional economies and improving the welfare of farmers by initiating a program for export-oriented horticulture development. This program includes the development of Cavendish bananas for both domestic consumption and export, as well as the processing of fruits and vegetables using freeze-dried technology through closed-loop partnerships. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has implemented a cluster-based horticulture development program in various production centres, aiming to increase the export of horticultural products and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
The program has been successfully implemented in nine regencies, including Tanggamus, Jembrana, Bener Meriah, Blitar, Ponorogo, Bondowoso, Garut, Sukabumi, and Bangli, covering a total area of 375.11 hectares and involving 1,006 farmer partners. The development of horticulture clusters aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian horticultural products globally by increasing the value-added through innovative processing methods. In Karo Regency, for instance, the Assistant Deputy for Horticultural Agribusiness Development, Yuli Sri Wilanti, participated in the inaugural planting ceremony and the launch of the closed-loop partnership on September 18. The event included the symbolic handover of Cavendish banana saplings to the Vice Regent of Karo Regency and farmer partners, as well as the symbolic transfer of People's Business Credit (KUR) from Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and Bank Pembangunan Daerah Sumatera Utara (Bank Sumut). Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed between PT Dapur Dunia Sejahtera and the local community group in Karo Regency. The initiative aims to boost fruit production, enhance farmer capacity, and improve their welfare by providing a stable supply chain for both domestic and international markets. The goal is to gradually reduce import dependence and increase the domestic production of horticultural products, thereby enhancing Indonesia's position as a major exporter of horticultural goods.
Source:
https://www.ekon.go.id/publikasi/detail/5971/pengembangan-hortikultura-berorientasi-ekspor
