Agriculture Ministry pushes for downstream aloe vera industry in Pontianak
The central government, together with the West Kalimantan Provincial Government, is encouraging the optimisation of aloe vera (Aloevera) cultivation as a regional flagship commodity and a driver of the local economy through strengthened production, downstream processing, and market expansion.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Sudaryono stated that the harvest event and field inspection at the aloe vera farm symbolise the government’s commitment to restoring the commodity’s former glory. ‘Pontianak has land characteristics that are very supportive for growing export-quality aloe vera. This potential must continue to be developed,’ he said after inaugurating the West Kalimantan Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI) in Pontianak on Sunday.
Sudaryono noted that Pontianak City possesses significant potential for aloe vera development due to its suitable land characteristics for producing export-quality goods. He added that strengthening the cultivation sector should not only focus on increasing production but must also be directed towards developing the processing industry to provide higher added value for farmers and local businesses. He affirmed the government’s commitment to promoting regional flagship commodities as part of sustainable agricultural development that directly impacts the improvement of the local economy.
Meanwhile, West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan, who also serves as Chairman of the West Kalimantan HKTI, said aloe vera has become one of Pontianak’s agricultural identities that must be continuously developed in a sustainable manner. ‘We must work together to restore its glory through increased production, development of the processing industry, and market expansion,’ he said.
He explained that the West Kalimantan Provincial Government is currently pushing for a downstream programme for aloe vera products so that they are not only sold as raw materials but also processed into high-value economic products that can increase the income of farmers and business operators. According to Norsan, the development of the aloe vera commodity is also part of a strategy to strengthen the local economy based on the region’s leading potential, which has long been widely recognised by the public. ‘I am optimistic that the synergy between the central government, regional government, the business sector, and the community can restore the glory of aloe vera as one of West Kalimantan’s economic strengths while improving the welfare of farmers in the region,’ Norsan said.