Kutai Kartanegara Regency Boosts Grassroots Economy through Kratom Leaf Exports

The largest kratom potential in this regency is located in the upper reaches of the Mahakam River, namely around Kota Bangun, Muara Wis, Muara Muntai, Kenohan, and Kembang Janggut sub-districts. Tenggarong Seberang sub-district also has significant amounts. Tenggarong, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Kutai Kartanegara Regency Government (Pemkab Kukar), East Kalimantan, is boosting grassroots economic growth through the export of kratom leaves, as residents have long been drying kratom that grows along riverbanks and selling it. From these raw sales, the regency sought investors to build a kratom processing factory, which has now been established. For raw materials, the company partners with residents in collecting kratom. “The largest kratom potential in this regency is in the upper Mahakam River area, around Kota Bangun, Muara Wis, Muara Muntai, Kenohan, and Kembang Janggut sub-districts. Tenggarong Seberang sub-district also has plenty,” said Deputy Regent Rendi Solihin in Tenggarong on Monday. He stated that kratom could add economic value for the community, especially those living along riverbanks. This is particularly true with the existence of Trade Ministry Regulation No. 21 of 2024 on the Second Amendment to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 23 of 2023 on Export Policies and Regulations. The day before, while inspecting the kratom leaf processing factory for export quality owned by PT DJB Botanicals Indonesia in Bangun Rejo Village, Tenggarong Seberang sub-district, Rendi also said that since the regulation took effect in 2024, kratom has been allowed to be exported again. Therefore, farmers are encouraged to remain enthusiastic in pursuing kratom business, but while maintaining and improving cultivation quality, which has been a common issue, similar to the quality problems faced by seaweed commodities. “Based on Trade Ministry Regulation No. 21 of 2024, kratom is now officially allowed to be exported again. Alhamdulillah, it’s safe now. Pemkab Kukar will perfect this through a regional regulation together with the DPRD to protect farmers regarding kratom,” said Rendi.