Andalas University Initiates Cross-Sector Collaboration to Develop Downstream Gambier Processing in West Sumatra
Padang (ANTARA) – Andalas University (Unand) in West Sumatra has initiated cross-sector collaboration to develop a downstream gambier-processing ecosystem in the province, from improving the quality of raw materials to processing and marketing higher-value products.
“Developing gambier requires the involvement of various parties so that the commodity can be processed into products with high economic value and reach wider markets,” Unand Rector Dr Efa Yonnedi said in Padang on Wednesday.
The remarks were made at a coordination meeting at Unand’s Rectorate Building, attended by 64 participants representing central and regional government, universities, banks, business associations, standards bodies and industry players.
She said the ecosystem initiative was prompted by the limited value added to West Sumatra’s gambier, as most of the commodity is still traded in block form and its quality is inconsistent.
“The main challenge for West Sumatra’s gambier today is to improve product quality and expand processing so that it delivers greater economic benefits, given that much of farmers’ harvest is still sold in blocks of varying quality,” she said.
She added that variations in catechin and tannin content, moisture, ash and cleanliness made it difficult to meet industrial specifications consistently.
Unand Director of Research Partnerships and Downstream Development Dr Eng Muhammad Makky said the main obstacle was the lack of integration between production, processing, technology, financing and marketing within a single business ecosystem.
Gambier development therefore needs to shift from trading a commodity towards building a value-added industry, he said.
He said this would be pursued through a pentahelix approach, with Unand encouraging the involvement of government, academia, business and industry, communities and the media.
Under the proposed collaboration, Andalas University will serve as a centre for developing knowledge and technology, as well as a link between stakeholders working to establish a business model that can be adopted by communities and industry.
Deputy for Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Bagus Rachman, representing the deputy minister, said the ministry had a strategic role in turning gambier’s potential into a business ecosystem that directly benefits communities.
One proposal discussed was the establishment of a Gambier Product Downstreaming House (RHP) as a centre for shared production, further processing, standardisation and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The RHP would increase production value by processing gambier into three main products: clean, standardised pure dried gambier resin (GGKM), basic catechin concentrate and basic tannin extract.
The ministry will support stronger business institutions, shared production facilities, MSME capacity-building, certification and legal-status assistance, and matchmaking between businesses and prospective industrial buyers, he said.