Indonesia's benzoin exports continue to increase

In 2024, Indonesia's benzoin exports exceeded $52 million, or about 847.6 billion rupiah, with an export volume of 43,000 tons.Benzoin, a resin extracted from the benzoin tree, is widely demanded in the perfume, aromatherapy, food, and pharmaceutical industries, and the livelihoods of about 30% of the residents of Pattapanuli and Humbang Hassun Duttan depend on this commodity. Although benzoin exports have penetrated Asian and European markets, farmers are selling it at too low a price. Luhut, chairman of the National Economic Council, said there are plans for community-based deepening of the benzoin chain. He believes that the deepening of the chain can be facilitated by simple technologies, such as steam distillation, without the need to build large factories. Companies have already shown interest in the industry, and the government will introduce policies to support it. In addition, the government is developing a digital map of the land and trees where benzoin is grown to ensure that industry development is based on data and actual needs.