Aswandi, a researcher at BRIN\u2019s Applied Botany Research Center, said\nthe extracted oil produces an elegant, bold amber fragrance that bears\nno resemblance to its traditional association with ceremonial incense\nburning.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if you visit a frankincense forest, you won\u2019t find that\n\u2018frightening\u2019 smell. It simply isn\u2019t there,\u201d Aswandi said during a\nrecent agency podcast.<\/p>\n
To create luxury fragrances, BRIN uses purified frankincense oil as a\nbase note, blending it with other native Indonesian essential\noils\u2014including patchouli, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and citrus extracts\u2014to\nproduce layered, refreshing aromas.<\/p>\n
Aswandi noted that Indonesian frankincense features unique\nphytochemical compounds not present in species found in other\nregions.<\/p>\n
High concentrations of cinnamein, benzyl benzoate, and vanillin give\nthe local resin strong potential to compete in the global fragrance\nindustry.<\/p>\n
Despite this potential, Indonesia continues to export most of its\nfrankincense as raw resin\u2014shipping between 5,000 and 6,000 metric tons\nannually to 60 countries\u2014rather than processing it into higher-value\nfinished goods.<\/p>\n
Consequently, Indonesia imports expensive foreign cosmetics and\nperfumes, many of which use Indonesian frankincense as a key raw\ningredient, he added.<\/p>\n
Beyond fine fragrance, BRIN\u2019s research indicates that\nfrankincense-based formulations offer therapeutic benefits, such as\npromoting relaxation, boosting focus, and aiding skin regeneration.<\/p>\n
BRIN is encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt its\npatented purification technology, aiming to build a home-grown fragrance\nindustry and shift the plant\u2019s image away from mystical rituals toward\nhigh-value commercial markets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have patchouli, citronella, and frankincense growing here. Why\nnot make our own perfumes and aromatherapy products?\u201d Aswandi said.\n\u201cThat would reduce import dependence while creating new opportunities\nfor our creative economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Translator: Sean FM, Rahmad Nasution<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-develops-frankincense-oil-for-premium-perfumes-to-boost-local-industry-1785725434", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }