Indonesia is a country that holds various treasures from its natural wealth. For example, Thyme, a type of plant that is hunted by Japanese and European citizens. This magical leaf is not as famous as spices such as pepper and cloves. However, this plant is starting to attract attention in the global market. According to the report of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), RI's thyme exports in 2024 reached USD 123,778. This amount grew rapidly compared to 2023, which was USD 89,415. Japan is the main buyer of Indonesian thyme with an import value reaching USD 66,726 in 2024, followed by South Korea at USD 16,608, as well as the Netherlands, Taiwan, and Australia which also showed stable demand.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a spice that is often used in European and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its distinctive, slightly spicy taste with a warm and herbal aroma, makes it a must-have spice in various dishes such as roasted chicken, steak, soups, pasta, and marinades. This spice also has extraordinary health benefits. Since ancient Egyptian times, thyme has been used as a natural antiseptic and preservative. In traditional medicine, thyme is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can help relieve coughs and increase endurance. The cosmetics industry has also begun to look at thyme as an active ingredient in health and skin care products. Thyme from Indonesia has advantages in terms of quality, especially because it is grown in a tropical climate which gives it a more intense flavor profile compared to thyme from other countries. In addition, the more modern drying and processing process makes it more competitive in the global market. With the increasing popularity of healthy lifestyles and herbal-based foods, Indonesian thyme has the potential to become one of the new stars in the global market.
