Lombok. Indonesia Eximbank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through its environmental and social responsibility program, supporting the growing potential of candlenut exports from Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

The initiative focuses on developing the Candlenut Export Village (Desa Devisa Kemiri) in Central Lombok, an area with strong production capacity and significant export prospects. According to data from the Indonesia Eximbank Institute, Indonesia currently ranks 13th among global candlenut exporters, with export values recorded at $4 million, equivalent to 0.5 percent of global shipments.

Export trends, however, are rising sharply. Indonesia’s latest candlenut shipments climbed 350 percent year-on-year to $9.58 million, while export volume surged 413 percent to 6,950 tons. Bangladesh and Malaysia are the top destinations, accounting for 64 percent of Indonesia’s exports, while the largest global import markets are the United States and China, worth $500 million and $320 million, respectively.

Untapped market potential also remains high, with demand from China valued at $232 million, the United States at $82 million, Vietnam at $28 million, Germany at $20 million, and the Netherlands at $10 million.

Strategic Support for Candlenut Competitiveness
To boost the quality and competitiveness of Lombok’s candlenut products, Indonesia Eximbank has provided key equipment and agricultural support. Assistance includes:

• One Automatic Vacuum Packager to extend shelf life and improve hygiene.
• Two dryer/cooling machines to accelerate drying and cracking processes.
• 2,000 superior-quality candlenut seedlings to support land rejuvenation, increase productivity, and protect soil sustainability.

The Candlenut Export Village is currently supported through training programs across 40 villages, involving around 350 farmers -- 60 percent of whom are women. The village now produces up to 120 tons annually, with 40 percent exported to foreign markets.

“This program is designed to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, maintain post-harvest standards, accelerate drying, and empower farmers to increase household income,” said Indonesia Eximbank Director Yon Arsal, during the handover event in Lombok.

The initiative also reinforces Indonesia Eximbank’s support for key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 2: End hunger and promote sustainable agriculture for superior crop varieties.
• SDG 5: Promote gender equality, reflected in the majority participation of women farmers.
• SDG 8: Encourage economic growth and employment opportunities within farming communities.

Increased production capacity is expected to expand market access and stimulate local economic activity in Central Lombok. Higher yields are projected to accelerate export opportunities, positioning regional candlenut producers more competitively in global markets.

“We believe this contribution marks an important step toward improving community welfare while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the candlenut commodity in Central Lombok,” Yon added.