Banyumas 'ant sugar' eyes global market dominance: Minister

Banyumas, Central Java (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that crystal coconut sugar or “ant sugar” from Banyumas, Central Java, has the potential to dominate the global market through various international trade agreements.

"Hopefully, Banyumas coconut sugar or ant sugar will become the world's largest supplier. In the future, if there is downstream processing, the added value will certainly be even higher," Santoso said when releasing the crystal coconut sugar export here on Thursday.

The crystal coconut sugar export valued at US$46,000 was destined for Chicago, the United States, and was part of efforts to expand the market for organic coconut sugar products from Banyumas.

Furthermore, the minister said the export showed that village-based products are capable of competing in the international market while supporting the increase in national exports.

The United States has become one of the main markets because in 2025 it recorded the largest trade surplus for Indonesia, amounting to US$18.11 billion from total exports of around US$30.9 billion.

"Labor-intensive manufacturing products such as footwear, garments, electronics, including ant sugar, have a large market in America," he said.

The Trade Ministry also continues to optimize the role of 46 Indonesian trade representatives abroad, consisting of trade attachés and Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers (ITPC), to assist business actors in seeking markets and increasing exports.

In addition, Indonesia currently has around 20 trade agreements that have been implemented and 11 others still in the negotiation process, including with Eurasian Economic Union countries and Canada.

Meanwhile, Banyumas District Head Sadewo Tri Lastiono said the export release marked an important momentum to strengthen Banyumas' position as one of the largest coconut sugar production centers in Indonesia.

"This export release is expected to serve as encouragement for all parties to continue innovating and collaborating so that Banyumas products become increasingly known and sought after in the global market," he said.

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Translator: Sumarwoto, Kenzu

Editor: Primayanti

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