Barantin to Tighten Quality Control for Swiftlet Nest Exports to China

Jakarta - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) will tighten quality control for swiftlet nest exports to prevent suspensions from destination countries. “We must control them so they are not made difficult,” said Barantin Head Abdul Kadir Karding in Jakarta on Wednesday, responding to the suspension of 19 swiftlet nest exporting companies by China. Karding stated that currently, out of 50 swiftlet nest exporting companies, 19 have been suspended by the Chinese Government because their production contained aluminium above the reasonable threshold. To address this, Karding will tighten quality control in Indonesia before swiftlet nest products are exported abroad. He said it is better for the export companies to be suspended in Indonesia rather than by the destination country. “We will improve our quality control. We will improve our reliability and other requirements,” he said. Karding added that his agency will also strengthen communication through the Embassy in China so that the suspension of the 19 swiftlet nest exporting companies can be lifted. “The step we are taking is to strengthen communication with our embassy in China. Essentially, I do not want China to suspend them; it is better to be suspended in Indonesia. So China receives them in good condition,” he stated. Karding said Barantin wants to demonstrate that Indonesia is serious about handling domestic issues. His agency is also trying to review the list of issues raised by China, one of which is aluminium content above 100 PPM (parts per million). Previously, the 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 noted that annual exports of swiftlet nests to China reach 400-500 tonnes, and this is fulfilled by companies that have not been suspended. “Many of our companies are suspended, and this is an issue that must be addressed first. Because the Chinese government has so far been unwilling to open up,” he said.