Indonesia plans gambier processing plant in West Sumatra

“We are currently mapping it out to the SOE,” said the Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, in Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra, on Tuesday.

The minister was referring to a joint plan between the ministry and a state-owned enterprise to develop downstream processing of gambier by building a processing plant in the region.

During his visit to West Sumatra, Andi Amran highlighted the significant potential of the plant, known by its scientific name Uncaria gambir.

Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of the world’s gambier supply comes from Limapuluh Kota District and South Pesisir District in West Sumatra.

He also confirmed the plan to build a gambier processing plant in West Sumatra. However, he did not specify the location of the processing plant.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi stated that the government would soon proceed with the development of a gambier processing plant following discussions with the Agriculture Minister.

According to the governor, the facility will be managed by PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV and is likely to be built in Limapuluh Kota District, a national center for gambier production.

He added that West Sumatra has consistently exported gambier to South Asia, particularly to India and Pakistan.

Over the past two years, gambier exports have shown an upward trend. In 2024, exports reached 13,482 tons, up from 11,865 tons in 2023.

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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Cindy Frishanti Octavia