"To support improvement in the export of this spice product, we actively pursue improvement in tech and production facilities through special allocation fund for small and medium industries' physical (development)," Director General for Small, Medium Industries at the ministry Reni Yanita stated, according to a statement received here on Thursday.
Bangka Island is renowned for its high-quality white pepper that includes Muntok, a unique-flavored variant of it.
The commodity has been registered in the Geographic Indication list that is expected to grant the product its own unique value, so as to boost the products' export rate in the global market.
Yanita noted that other efforts to improve the small and medium industries' competitiveness are made by adopting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), good food processing, and good institutional management.
"Currently, many small and medium pepper industries have yet to meet the good food processing standards as outlined in Industry Ministry Regulation Number 75 of 2010," Yenita noted.
This is owing to lacking quality in infrastructure and production facilities, hygiene and sanitation for workers, subpar machinery, inadequate production supervision, and inconsistent end results' specifications, she elaborated.
Yenita opined that GMP serves as guidance for companies and manufacturers alike in producing foods, so the end result can become safe for consumption.
"With a set procedure on controlling the quality of food production, food companies will also develop and gain more trust from the consumers," she stated.
A food production standard based on good food processing procedures applied to manufacturing centers will allow industry players to obtain required food certifications, such as distribution permit, halal certification, and more, the director general explained.
Other aspects that should be considered in small and medium industry centers' management include the institutional or management aspects, as it can impact the productivity and performance, she remarked.
Yenita expects that the regional government can collaborate with other stakeholders, such as hotel and tourism managements, as well as prospective buyers in a bid to promote the small and medium industries' products.
Yanita expects the regional government to push its staff to buy these products and foster collaboration to boost the industry's human resources and centers’ managements.
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Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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