Global demand for candlenut (kemiri) has opened major opportunities for Indonesian farmers. According to Indonesia Eximbank (LPEI), Indonesia’s candlenut exports surged 350% year on year to reach USD 9.58 million. In terms of volume, the increase was even more dramatic — a 413 % rise, reaching 9,950 tons. The main export destinations currently are Bangladesh and Malaysia, which absorb around 64 % of Indonesia’s candlenut supply. Globally, demand remains strong, especially from countries like the United States and China, which are among the largest importers.
To support this export boom, Eximbank — through its social and environmental responsibility program (TJSL) — has stepped in to strengthen the competitiveness of candlenut producers, especially in Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat. Their efforts focus on villages like Desa Devisa Kemiri, which has become a major export contributor. The support includes providing production equipment — such as a vacuum-packaging machine to extend shelf life and maintain hygiene, plus two cooling/drying machines to speed up post-harvest processing — and distributing 2,000 superior candlenut seedlings to rejuvenate farmland and boost productivity. The program covers around 40 villages and empowers about 350 farmers, 60% of whom are women.
