Video: A Series of Challenges in Integrating Herbal Plants into the Pharmaceutical Industry

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - As a country rich in natural resources and a diverse array of superior spices, Indonesia has tremendous opportunities to develop the Indonesian Natural Ingredients and Spices Extract Industry (IEBA). Currently, local spice commodities such as ginger, turmeric, and temulawak are high-value raw materials for the production of herbal medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Chairman of the Indonesian Natural Ingredients and Spices Extract Industry Association (Airindo), Patrick Kalona, stated that Indonesia has strong potential and a favourable position in developing the natural ingredients and spices extract industry, with a market share of 7-8%, the largest in ASEAN, though it still trails Europe, India, China, and North America. At present, the development of the natural ingredients and spices extract industry faces several challenges related to regulations and scientific validation/research that require a long time. This is linked to research and downstream processing of natural materials to meet clinical trials so that these herbal/natural products can be officially accepted in the healthcare system. What are the prospects and challenges for Indonesia in developing the natural ingredients and spices extract industry? For more details, watch the dialogue between Mercy Widjaja and Airindo Chairman Patrick Kalona on Profit, CNBC Indonesia (Friday, 24/04/2026).