Babel Trade Office Oversees Export of Dried Mangosteen Leaves to the UK

The Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) of Bangka Belitung Province is overseeing the export process of 10,000 packs of dried mangosteen and bamboo leaves to the United Kingdom. Agus Setio Rini, Head of Trade Facilities and Export Development at Disperindag Babel, stated in Pangkalpinang on Monday that this export supervision represents the government’s commitment to its assisted SMEs, ensuring they meet agreements according to the demands of overseas consumers. “This export proves that the quality of reptile bedding raw materials from Bangka Belitung Province has been recognised by the world market,” she said. Disperindag Babel consistently provides assistance and support to its fostered SMEs in exporting products abroad, as demonstrated with this particular SME. The Director of UMKM Daun Ketapang, operating under PT. Central Charcoal Babelindo, stated that the company dispatched 10,000 packs of dried mangosteen and bamboo leaves destined for use as reptile bedding to the UK. The goods are transported from Bangka Belitung to Jakarta via land expedition and subsequently shipped to the destination country by sea. The company has routinely exported dried ketapang leaves from Babel, while this shipment of mangosteen and bamboo leaves is a result of product development tailored to foreign market interests. He noted that overseas markets are also keen to purchase dried mangosteen and bamboo leaves due to their believed health benefits. Dried mangosteen leaves can be used for reptile bedding, and the export of this product, rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory compounds (Xanthone), holds high economic value. “Abroad, these dried leaves are a valuable commodity, used not only for reptile bedding but also as raw material for herbal medicine, health teas, cosmetics, and even for aquarium and terrarium needs,” he said. Today’s product export was witnessed by officials from Disperindag Babel, Pangkalpinang Customs, PT Pos Indonesia, and the management of PT Central Charcoal Babelindo as the producer.