Jakarta. Indonesia Eximbank or Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (LPEI) has helped Pelawan Honey, a product from Central Banka Regency, to reach the global market.

In 2008, Head of Namang Village Muhammad Zaiwan issued a village regulation to protect 300 hectares of Pelawan Forest from illegal tin mining. The locals at the time also pressured Zaiwan to allow the opening of a tin mine, citing its billions of rupiahs in profit. However, Zaiwan insisted that it would be better to develop the forest’s potential in a sustainable manner, namely through honey production.

“Some people called me crazy for refusing the large sums of money from tin mining. But I care about this forest,” Zaiwan said.

Fast forward to the present time, and the Pelawan Honey has penetrated the international market. Indonesia Eximbank has helped Pelawan Honey to take part in the 2025 Trade Expo Indonesia to connect with potential international buyers. Grade A honey is marketed for up to Rp 1.5 million ($88) per kilogram, while grade B honey is Rp 750,000 per kilogram. The development of this commodity has involved 125 farmers and honey foragers in Namang Village. 

The production, which involves local villagers, can produce around 200 bottles of honey per month, increasing to 600 bottles during special occasions, such as holidays, national celebrations, or government visits. In terms of income, the community earns Rp 5–6 million per month, with each farmer producing between 60 and 90 bottles of honey.

This aligns with Indonesia Eximbank's commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals on poverty eradication, sustainable agriculture and economy, as well as climate change mitigation. resilience and sustainable agriculture, a sustainable economy, and climate change mitigation. All of these efforts also align with the government's Asta Cita program.

In 2024, the Law Ministry granted the Pelawan Honey geographical indication (GI) certification. This certification confirms Pelawan Honey's geographical identity as a specialty commodity of Namang Village, Central Bangka Regency, recognized by the government, and protects the product from counterfeiting.

Zaiwan also thanked the Indonesia Eximbank for its consistent support in bringing local Bangka Belitung products globally.

“The opportunity provided by LPEI provides a significant opportunity for us to introduce Pelawan Forest Honey to the global market and prove that village products can compete on a global scale," he said.

Pelawan Honey is now not only popular among the foreign travelers visiting the Pelawan Forest, but shipments have also been made to other countries. A derivative product, Pelawan leaf tea, has even penetrated the Japanese market.