Barantin Seeks to Improve Export Governance for Swiftlet Nests

The Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), Abdul Kadir Karding, stated that improvements in the governance of edible bird’s nest exports are necessary to ensure that Indonesian products can be absorbed by the market to their maximum potential.

“How can we ensure that bird’s nest exports, especially premium ones, meet the requirements set by destination countries,” Karding said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, his agency held an audience with bird’s nest associations and forums to solicit input regarding the challenges they face in conducting their businesses.

He noted that from the results of the meeting, several pieces of feedback were received, including issues regarding several bird’s nest exporting companies that have been suspended.

Karding revealed that the 19 companies facing suspension were affected because their bird’s nest products contained aluminium.

“Because currently, the market for all commodities is very strict and detailed, we inevitably have to improve our internal processes and our organisation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the Indonesian Bird’s Nest Entrepreneurs Association (PPSBI), Boedi Mranata, stated that out of 50 bird’s nest exporting companies, 19 have been suspended by destination countries, particularly China.

He explained that annual exports of bird’s nests to China reach 400-500 tonnes, a demand currently being met by companies that have not been suspended.

“Many of our companies have been suspended, and this is an issue that must be addressed first. This is because the Chinese government, up to this point, is unwilling to reopen [access],” he added.