The meeting was held during the 2024 Cocoa Association of Asia-International Cocoa Conference Exhibition (CAA-ICCE) held in Singapore on September 12-13.
Hasan echoed the Indonesian government's commitment to supporting the growth of the country's cocoa and chocolate industry.
He remarked that improving the cocoa farmers' welfare is part of the next government's flagship programs.
"The government wants to raise the people's purchasing power through the cocoa industry. This is one of the flagship programs of the upcoming government," Hasan noted in a statement.
He elaborated that the government will make clusters in the agricultural sector and map provinces with the potential to produce select top commodities, such as cocoa.
In addition, the government will expand the duty of the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), which usually manages palm oil commodities, to support cocoa and coconut management later.
Hasan highlighted that other steps encompass rehabilitating cocoa plantations and downstreaming cocoa products.
All supportive actions by the government aim to boost Indonesia's artisan chocolate industry and enable its products to penetrate the global market.
Currently, Indonesia's artisan chocolate industry comprises 39 artisans at the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) level.
However, they can produce high-quality and premium chocolate products that have a single origin and distinctive flavors with a specific group of consumers.
"Business actors need to be observant to see market opportunities and investment in Asia, including Indonesia, in terms of downstreaming cocoa products," Minister Hasan stated.
He also expressed hope that CAA would support Indonesia's cocoa farmers through training, capacity-building, and technology transfer.
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Translator: Maria P, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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