Barantin Strengthens Mentoring for MSMEs to Access International Markets

The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) is strengthening its mentoring for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to fulfil export requirements, making it easier for them to access and export various superior commodities in the international market. “We want more MSMEs to understand that export opportunities are wide open as long as the destination country’s requirements can be met,” said Barantin’s Principal Secretary Shahandra Hanitiyo during the online launch of the Barantin Go Export Web Series in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung, on Wednesday. Shahandra stated that the web series, titled ‘In-Depth Review: Bangka Belitung’s Ketapang Leaves Flying Abroad’, is part of Barantin’s effort to assist MSMEs in meeting export requirements and expanding international market access through fast, easy, and reliable quarantine services. “Barantin will continue to be present to assist MSMEs through fast, easy, and reliable quarantine services so that more regional superior products can penetrate the export market,” he said. Head of the Bangka Belitung Quarantine Office, Herwintarti, added that ketapang leaves are a promising regional commodity with strong export prospects. “This ketapang leaf commodity has been marketed to several countries, such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany,” she said. She noted that according to Best Trust data, throughout 2025, MSMEs assisted by the Bangka Belitung Quarantine Office exported 665.14 kilogrammes of ketapang leaves. In the first semester of 2026, export realisation for the commodity reached 553.06 kilogrammes. MSME actor and exporter Lukman Nuhung added that ketapang leaves are exported in dried form. In the international market, the product is used as a natural water conditioner for aquariums, especially for ornamental fish such as bettas, guppies, and snakeheads. “The tannin content in ketapang leaves helps stabilise the water’s pH, accelerates wound healing in fish, and possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties,” he said.