In 2024, Indonesia's benzoin export value exceeded $52 million, equivalent to approximately 847.6 billion rupiah, with an export volume of 43,000 tons. Benzoin is a resin extracted from the styrax tree, widely demanded in industries such as perfume, aromatherapy, food, and pharmaceuticals. About 30% of residents in North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan depend on this commodity for their livelihoods. Although benzoin exports have entered Asian and European markets, farmers sell at prices that are too low. The Chairman of the National Economic Committee, Luhut, stated that plans are underway to deepen the community-based benzoin industry chain. He believes that simple technologies (such as steam distillation) can promote industry chain deepening without the need to build large factories. Currently, some enterprises have shown interest in this industry, and the government will also introduce supportive policies. Additionally, the government is mapping benzoin plantation land and trees digitally to ensure industrial development is based on data and actual demand.
In 2024, Indonesia's benzoin export value exceeded $52 million, equivalent to approximately 847.6 billion rupiah, with an export volume of 43,000 tons. Benzoin is a resin extracted from the styrax tree, widely demanded in industries such as perfume, aromatherapy, food, and pharmaceuticals. About 30% of residents in North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan depend on this commodity for their livelihoods. Although benzoin exports have entered Asian and European markets, farmers sell at prices that are too low. The Chairman of the National Economic Committee, Luhut, stated that plans are underway to deepen the community-based benzoin industry chain. He believes that simple technologies (such as steam distillation) can promote industry chain deepening without the need to build large factories. Currently, some enterprises have shown interest in this industry, and the government will also introduce supportive policies. Additionally, the government is mapping benzoin plantation land and trees digitally to ensure industrial development is based on data and actual demand.