Indonesian Tea Council says tea plays environmental and health roles

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Indonesian Tea Council (Dewan Teh Indonesia, DTI) Iriana Ekasari Muadz said that tea plays an important role in maintaining environmental sustainability, especially in highland areas and catchment zones, and is also beneficial to health. “Tea is a commodity that not only has high economic value, but also functions ecologically and provides health benefits,” Iriana said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. Quoting from several sources, tea is known to have antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system to fight disease. Tea is also commonly consumed by Indonesians on various occasions, from ceremonial events to daily consumption. In the national tea industry, Sari Wangi has become one of the brands frequently consumed by the public. The brand is now officially owned by PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa, which is the new owner. Its presence is expected to help develop tea as a national flagship product and to make it a product capable of competing in global markets. The Indonesian Tea Council, which oversees all players in the national tea agro-industry, also stated readiness to facilitate the smooth supply chain of PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa from members of the Indonesian Tea Council, so it is hoped to improve the welfare of Indonesian dried tea producers, both large companies and farmers, strengthen the national tea industry structure, and enhance Indonesia’s tea competitiveness in global markets. They also appreciate Unilever Indonesia, which previously managed the Indonesian tea brand, including its success in modernising the tea industry in Indonesia. “The acquisition of the Sari Wangi brand in 1988 by Unilever Indonesia has nurtured the domestic tea industry to the level it is today. Modern tea products and traditional tea products can grow together and grow very well,” Muadz said. The Indonesian Tea Council (DTI) was formed on 19 April 2007 as a forum for coordination and representation of national tea agro-industry players.