JAKARTA – Palm oil is Indonesia’s top plantation commodity as reported by the  Food & Agriculture (FAO). In 2020, the production of palm oil in Indonesia reached 56.5 million tons.

Besides having a number of derivative products, it also has solid and liquid wastes which can be further processed to have higher economic values as raw materials for production of various products and for other economic purposes, including energy sources. One of the solid wastes is the palm kernel shells (PKS). It has been exported to a number of countries, including to Europe.

On Saturday, 15 April 2023, the finance ministry’s customs and excise directorate general dispatched the export of palm shells at a total of 12,542 MT to Portugal in Western Europe. It is a maiden export of palm shells this year which was implemented by PT. Dwi Tunggal Sempurna through the seaport of Kuala Langsa in Aceh province, by using the mother vessel AMP Princess with Hong Kong flag.

Langsa Customs and Excise Office Head Sulaiman said that the export has contributed to the state income from export tax at a total of Rp1.31 billion. “Langsa customs and excise office is committed to giving the best services to increase exports of natural resources in Langsa mayoralty and surrounding areas,” said Sulaiman.

In 2020, Langsa customs and excise office had also facilitated the export of palm shells by PT. Sultana Biomas Indonesia at a total of 7,060 MT to Japan. It is expected that exports will increase from Langsa, which will then push up the growth of local economy as part of the government’s efforts to implement the program of national economic recovery. (*)

Source: viva.co.id