Barantin Seeks to Improve Export Governance for Swiftlet Nests

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) Abdul Kadir Karding has stated that improvements to the export governance of swiftlet nests are necessary so that Indonesian products can be optimally absorbed. “How can we ensure that swiftlet nest exports, especially the premium ones, meet the requirements set by destination countries,” Karding said in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to him, his agency held an audience with swiftlet nest associations and forums to seek input regarding the problems they face in running their businesses. He said that from the meeting, the agency received a number of inputs, including those related to several swiftlet nest export companies that have been suspended. Karding said that the 19 suspended companies were affected because their swiftlet nest products contained aluminium. “Because indeed, the market for all commodities is now very tight and detailed, so inevitably we must improve our internal affairs, improve our organisation,” he stated. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Swiftlet Nest Entrepreneurs Association (PPSBI) Boedi Mranata said that out of 50 swiftlet nest exporting companies, 19 have been suspended by destination countries, especially China. He explained that exports of swiftlet nests to China reach 400 to 500 tonnes per year, and this is fulfilled by companies that have not been suspended. “Many of our companies have been suspended, and this is an issue that must be addressed first. Because the Chinese government, until now, has been unwilling to reopen,” he added.