Bangka UMKM Exports Dried Ketapang Leaves to America

A micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) from Bangka Belitung has once again demonstrated its competitiveness in the international market. PT Central Charcoal Babelindo (CCB), an UMKM fostered by the Pangkalpinang Customs and Excise Office, exported dried ketapang leaves to the United States on 25 May 2026. In this shipment, CCB exported 290 boxes of dried ketapang leaves with a gross weight reaching 763 kg. This product has become one of the leading commodities sought after by overseas markets because of its various benefits, particularly for ornamental fish care. Ketapang leaves are known to contain active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which function to help stabilise water pH levels and act as a natural antibiotic for ornamental fish. It is no surprise that this product has fairly high demand in various countries, including the United States. The Head of the Internal Compliance and Extension Section of Pangkalpinang Customs, Syarifudin, stated that this export success is tangible proof that regional UMKM can compete and market their products sustainably in the global market. ‘CCB is one of the concrete proofs that UMKM can market their products overseas continuously,’ said Syarifudin in a statement on Thursday (4/6/2026). According to him, this success is inseparable from the company’s persistence in seeking business opportunities, expanding markets, and maintaining good relations with business partners abroad. He also emphasised that the Pangkalpinang Customs Office will continue to provide assistance to business actors wishing to develop their export markets. Syarifudin explained that through the Export Clinic programme, the Pangkalpinang Customs Office provides free assistance and consultation services for business actors. The programme covers education on export procedures, licensing assistance, resolving logistical obstacles, and providing information on customs facilities.