Pacitan, East Java – Indonesia on Thursday shipped 11.5 metric tons of organic palm sugar from Pacitan to Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Australia, marking a significant milestone for village-based products entering international markets. The shipment, valued at Rp535 million (US$34,300), was dispatched from Temon Village under Astra’s Desa Sejahtera (Prosperous Village) program, Antara, the Indonesian News Agency, reported.
“This is more than just palm sugar; it represents the spirit of Pacitan, East Java, and Indonesia,” said Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto, who inspected a six-ton truck heading to Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya. He emphasized the need for producers to maintain consistent quality, secure sufficient volumes, and implement systematic palm tree regeneration to ensure long-term supply.
Pacitan District Head Indrata Nur Bayuaji highlighted that the export would broaden opportunities for other local products to reach global markets, stressing the importance of collaboration and the development of rural human resources.
According to Astra, the shipment showcases the success of cooperation among communities, the government, and businesses through the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, which has supported 1,280 villages across 35 provinces since 2018. Of these, 548 villages have entered export markets, generating a cumulative export value of Rp411 billion over the past five years.
In Pacitan, around 400 villagers from five communities have been trained through Temon Agro Lestari, covering organic pre-certification, internal control systems, food safety audits, and the development of clean production facilities. The program has increased household incomes by up to 50 percent while ensuring full product absorption, creating a sustainable, export-ready ecosystem for organic palm sugar.
Temon Village has now been recognized as a model organic export village, expected to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.
