Titiek Soeharto Encourages the Development of Red Onion Processing
Chairperson of Commission IV of the DPR, Siti Hediati Hariyadi, or Titiek Soeharto, appreciated that the production of local red onions has exceeded domestic needs and is able to penetrate export markets. “It turns out that our red onion production is abundant and can be exported. It can be exported to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore,” said Titiek in a written statement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
This statement was made by Titiek while reviewing the red onion processing factory owned by PT Sinergi Brebes Inovatif (Kelompok Tani Sidomakmur) on Monday, February 23, 2026. The agenda was a working visit by Commission IV of the DPR.
The red onion production in Brebes, Central Java, is not only for the sale of fresh onions. Farmers have also processed derivative products such as fried onions and red onion paste, which are produced in a modern way. Red onion paste from Brebes has also been exported to Saudi Arabia as a raw material for cooking spices for Indonesian pilgrims.
With promising prospects, Titiek encouraged that the integrated red onion center model, such as in Brebes, can be replicated in other regions. “But it can be developed in other regions so that our exports can also increase further,” said Titiek.
The Gerindra politician argued that processing is a strategic step because it can increase farmer income. She said that, according to farmers, they can generate profits of IDR 350 million per hectare from a capital of IDR 140 million per hectare. According to Titiek, the profits earned by farmers are relatively large because they exceed more than half of the capital.
The potential net profit obtained by farmers is around IDR 210 million per hectare. Based on this profit, Titiek said that the processing program is an instrument to improve the welfare of farmers.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the National Food Agency, Sarwo Edhy, fully supports the processing efforts. This is because, according to him, processing is effective in maintaining price stability at the farmer level.
The data from the National Food Balance Sheet Projection as of February 2026 records that national red onion production in 2025 reached 1.43 million tons. Meanwhile, domestic consumption needs are 1.23 million tons. The National Food Agency stated that this surplus opens up opportunities for Indonesia to export 1,560 tons of red onions to the global market.