Can Export to America, Farmers explore the potential of kratom

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers are encouraged to explore the potential for kratom exports. 

Products used for pharmaceutical and other purposes are considered to have great opportunities for export to the United States and Europe. 

"Indonesia is the largest producer of kratom, one of which is exported to the United States. We see that the economic potential of kratom is very large, where kratom grows widely in several islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua," said the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Teten Masduki in a Round Table Discussion event with the Chamber of Commerce, the American Kratom Association, Research Experts , US Senators and Representatives (DPR) and Koprabuh (Green Earth Award Producers Cooperative) entitled The Urgency of Continuing Kratom Trading, at the KemenKopUKM Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/8/2022). 

Kratom is a tropical plant from the Rubiaceae family originating from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines) and Papua New Guinea. In Indonesia, this plant grows a lot in West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan), Sumatra, to Sulawesi and Papua in certain areas.

Teten added that in Indonesia there is not much use of kratom because there are still conflicts related to regulations and even some circles indicate that it is included in the narcotics class. However, kratom is still legal to grow and trade.

KemenKopUKM has plans to develop kratom. And now Koprabuh is already working with kratom farmers in West Kalimantan. Later, kratom cultivation can be developed through social forestry," said Teten. 

After seeing the enormous export potential and demand, Teten said, strong regulations were needed for the sustainability of kratom products in the global market. 

"I will take the initiative to talk to the Ministry of Health, BNN, Ministry of Trade, and BPOM. I am optimistic that Indonesia can produce kratom and continue trading with America and other countries," said Teten. 

Not only that, Teten invites kratom cooperatives and associations in Indonesia to jointly expand the use of kratom, accompanied by the need to improve the quality of export standards of kratom products. 

"Maybe the US Chamber of Commerce and Industry also needs to be sure of the benefits of kratom," said Teten.

On this occasion, there was also a discussion regarding the many findings and results of research from institutions and scientists in Indonesia and America regarding the use of kratom as a medicinal plant that is efficacious. 

The kratom plant is used by local people as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches, coughs, increase endurance, lower high blood pressure, increase energy, overcome depression, anti-diabetic and anti-malarial, as well as a sexual stimulant. 

"Indeed many are worried, but I can input that kratom is safe supported by scientific research," said Teten. 

In fact, the benefits provided are not only for farmers, but also for health sciences. Teten mentioned, for example, the results of research from Jack Hennnlingfield, a researcher from Johns Hopkins University who stated that kratom was needed to help health problems in the United States.