Indonesia stands as the largest exporter of gambir globally, commanding an impressive 80% share of the world market. The primary export destinations include India, followed by Japan, China, Pakistan, and several European countries. Notably, Indonesia accounts for 50% of the gambir market in India. In 2022, the country’s export value reached USD 90 million, with expectations for continued growth driven by enhanced production quality and market expansion. The export prices for gambir range between USD 7,500 and USD 10,000 per ton. Destry Anna Sari, Assistant Deputy for Cooperative Reform and Partnerships at the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, highlighted the immense potential of gambir as an opportunity for Indonesia to increase its supply to meet global demand in the pharmaceutical, leather tanning, and traditional medicine industries.
Gambir is recognized for its numerous benefits in both industrial and health sectors, making it highly sought after in global markets. The majority of Indonesia's gambir exports originate from West Sumatra, a region known for its conducive geography, favorable climate, and rich cultural heritage. Destry noted that cooperatives play a crucial role in optimizing gambir's potential in West Sumatra. One example is the Bangkit Mandiri Cooperative in Pesisir Selatan, which serves as a collaborative platform for local farmers, offering training, quality improvement in gambir processing, and marketing support. This cooperative has implemented high-quality processing techniques, achieving catechin levels of up to 90%. Such quality enhancements are essential to meet the standards required by the industry.
