The Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office (BKHIT) recorded plant commodity exports from West Sumatra reaching IDR 4.2 trillion, with a total volume of 966,900 tons in 2024. Ibrahim, Head of BKHIT West Sumatra, stated that 10 commodities showed high export volumes, including palm kernel, rubber wood, rubber sheets, cinnamon bark, palm oil waste, palm oil, crude palm oil, mangosteen, coconut milk, and coffee beans. "Other commodities, such as cloves and betel nuts, were also exported, but these 10 commodities dominated in volume, mainly to Europe and Asia," he explained on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).
Ibrahim elaborated that palm kernel exports reached 644,000 tons, valued at IDR 1.1 trillion, with destinations including Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Poland. Rubber wood exports totaled 403,000 tons, valued at IDR 1 trillion, primarily going to China. Rubber sheets amounted to 15,000 tons, valued at IDR 707.3 billion. Cinnamon bark exports, going to countries like Vietnam, Canada, the U.S., Belgium, France, India, China, and more, totaled 7,300 tons with a value of IDR 455.5 billion. "These, along with other commodities, contribute to the total export value of IDR 4.2 trillion," Ibrahim said. He also noted a significant increase in exports compared to 2023, which had a value of IDR 5.8 trillion and a volume of 984,000 tons. Ibrahim expressed optimism for 2025, especially with the newly launched international flight route from Padang to Singapore by Scoot Airlines. "This new route opens more export opportunities, and we hope it will boost exports from West Sumatra," he added. The new flight route is expected to ease market access for flagship products like mangosteen, coffee, chocolate, and ornamental fish, while ensuring the quality and safety of exports.
