Indonesia has successfully established pearls, turmeric, and cultured pearls as leading commodities in Switzerland, reaching an export value of up to USD 2.15 billion in 2023. This figure makes jewellery and gem products a major contributor to Indonesia's exports to the Western European market, surpassing other sectors such as precision instruments or optical machinery. According to global data, although gems rank 878th in world trade, Indonesia is a major exporter, particularly in the natural and cultured pearl categories.
However, this achievement is not without challenges. As a premium commodity, the sustainability of these exports requires strengthening quality, certification, and downstreaming to avoid relying solely on raw volume. Sustainable cultivation practices are also crucial to maintain product quality and protect marine ecosystems. If integrated with trade diplomacy and cultural promotion strategies, pearl exports will not only contribute to foreign exchange but also build Indonesia's reputation as a world-class pearl supplier.
