Indonesian Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, officially flagged off the export of Balinese products to Hong Kong, valued at 350,000 US dollars or approximately IDR 5.7 billion.
The shipment includes vanilla, cinnamon, and honey, sourced from local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the coordination of CV Naralia Group Indonesia.
According to Detik.com, “We are launching exports of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. This is part of our UMKM Bisa Ekspor (MSMEs Can Export) program. We must side with the people, starting from districts, cities, sub-districts, and villages,” the Minister said during the export release ceremony in Denpasar, Tuesday (July 29, 2025).
CV Naralia Group is seen as a successful example of how MSMEs can be organized and connected to global markets. The company previously participated in a trade exhibition in Hong Kong, bringing along products from various MSMEs. As a result, buyers from Hong Kong showed interest in the vanilla, cinnamon, and honey products.
In addition to the three commodities, Budi emphasized that Bali has many other products with strong export potential.
Unfamiliar with International Standards
However, many MSMEs are still unfamiliar with international standards, especially regarding packaging and quality control.
“We need more people like Ms. Lia. Hopefully there will be many more in Bali. Actually, we already have many products; what’s lacking is the quality for export,” he said.
According to Antaranews, “We also need to support our ITPC representatives. If our products aren’t good enough, they won’t be able to find buyers in the field, like in the case of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey,” he added.
Nationally, Budi revealed that of the 609 MSMEs identified as potential exporters, only 40 are actively exporting. He hopes this number will increase with more MSMEs receiving guidance and global market access.
Product Identity with Balinese Script
Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who was present at the ceremony, stated that this vanilla export is not the first of its kind.
He recalled previous export releases for vanilla, chocolate, and traditional Balinese salt, which have found markets in Europe and are even used in luxury hotels.
“This is one of many exports. Recently, I flagged off a vanilla shipment too—it was extraordinary. Then chocolate reached Europe, and our traditional Balinese salt is highly valued by hotels due to its strong flavor,” said Koster.
He emphasized the importance of promoting exports to uplift the local economy and highlighted the role of Balinese creativity in product development.
However, he criticized the lack of Balinese script on CV Naralia’s product packaging, despite praising its professional design.
“There’s just one thing missing, Minister—the packaging doesn’t yet use Balinese script. So I’m asking Ms. Lia to start using it, because Balinese script reflects a unique product identity,” he said.
Koster referenced countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, which proudly display their cultural identity in product design, adding that Bali should do the same.
“With Balinese script, the product becomes more elegant and radiant, increasing its appeal. Next time, please use Balinese script,” Koster urged.
He also instructed the Head of Bali’s Industry and Trade Office to begin standardizing the use of Balinese script across MSME and small industry product packaging in the province.
Sources: Detik.com, AntaraNews
Feat Image: via Reuters/Darren Whiteside