Ministry of Industry Supports the Development of Essential Oil Industry

VIVA – Essential oil is one of the rich agro-resources owned by Indonesia. The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is ready to support the development of the essential oil industry in Indonesia from upstream to downstream.

"The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is ready to support the development of the essential oil industry in Indonesia. We are committed to developing the essential oil industry from upstream to downstream, including through the growth of industrial-partnership built by multiscale business actors," Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said in Jakarta, Thursday, December 1, 2022.

It is known that out of 97 types of essential plants worldwide, 40 types of them grow in Indonesia. Currently, 17 types of essential oils have been commercialized and become a source of livelihood for essential farmers throughout Indonesia. Some types of essential oils include clove oil, patchouli oil, citronella oil, nutmeg oil, and patchouli oil.

In a meeting with the essential oil industry some time ago, the Minister of Industry said that his party continues to spur the downstream essential industry to master product technology innovation research and production processes.

This is to balance pace with the rapid life cycle of essential products. In addition, the essential industry is encouraged to strengthen aspects of sustainability and environmental friendliness, so it can be globally competitive and meet the needs of today's consumers.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Agro-Industry of the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, explained several factors determining the growth of the essential industry, especially on the downstream side. These factors include the formulation of the final product, guaranteed supply and quality of raw materials, and the competence of industrial human resources (HR).

“The Ministry of Industry has carried out several efforts for supporting the development of the essential oil industry, such as through facilitation during the 2017-2021 period, including the preparation of SNI for crude essential oil as an industrial raw material, SNI for Bio additives for Diesel Fuel as marketing support for ready-to-use essential oil downstream products, training and certification of the competence the Essential oil industry human resources,” Putu Juli Ardika explained.

While attending the National Conference on Essential Oil (KNMA) in Semarang on Thursday, December 1, 2022, Putu explained that the Ministry of Industry also provides support from the agribusiness side. In addition, it is also identifying the needs of the essential oil industry to improve quality and quantity, from refining, and extraction to the final product.