National Economic Council (DEN) head Luhut Pandjaitan has suggested that the government develop a downstream incense industry as part of the country’s key export commodities and to strengthen the local economy. The call is in line with the country’s greater plan to pursue downstreaming in commodities other than minerals, such as agriculture, plantations and fisheries, envisioned by President Prabowo Subianto. Indonesia exported 43,000 tonnes of incense worth more than US$52 million last year. About 30 percent of people from North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan in North Sumatra rely on the commodity. Luhut highlighted the natural incense from North Sumatra, which is considered among the best in the world, exported to multiple countries in Asia and Europe. The region produces resin from styrax benzoin, a substance used by various industries, including fragrances, food and pharmaceuticals. He further conveyed his plan to develop a downstream incense industry through community-based production, while also utilizing simple technologies, such as steam distillation, for farmers to produce incense oil, standardize resin and export-ready bioactive products.  Source : https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/05/28/luhut-suggests-incense-downstreaming-to-boost-exports-local-economies.html (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 28/05/2025