Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The island of Kalimantan produces a herbal plant known as kratom, nicknamed the “heavenly leaf.” This plant has become a promising commodity in the international market, especially in the United States (US).
Kratom is a tree from the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Also known as Mitragyna speciosa, this plant thrives on Kalimantan Island. Its leaves are dried and used to make tea or put into capsules to be sold as supplements. Kratom leaves can also be smoked like tobacco.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023 showed the US as the largest importer of kratom from Indonesia, with a volume reaching 4,694 tons and an export value of approximately US$9.15 million.
In the overseas market, processed kratom extract can be valued at up to US$6,000 per kg.
Although kratom itself has sparked controversy in Indonesia and was labeled a “new drug,” this herbal plant has successfully penetrated the US market and grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Challenges Exist, But Remains Popular in the US
However, kratom faces challenges regarding its legality in the international market. In the US, demand for kratom continues to rise despite its legal status not yet receiving full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Nevertheless, US consumers purchase so much kratom and kratom-based products, both online and in gas station convenience stores, general stores, smoke shops, and bars, that it has become a US$1 billion industry.
Meanwhile, Japan and Germany permit its limited use. India, with its more relaxed policies, is one of the largest export markets. This varying legality demands Indonesia’s attention in maintaining product quality to meet evolving global standards.
Domestically, DKI Jakarta, West Kalimantan, and East Java are the main provinces supporting kratom exports, contributing almost the entire national export value. This highlights the importance of strengthening downstream processing in producing regions to ensure the sustainability and further development of this commodity.
Benefits of Kratom
Quoting WebMD, the most common uses of kratom are for pain relief, depression, and opioid addiction.
Kratom is believed to be effective in alleviating chronic pain because it works by attaching to opioid receptors. One compound found in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is 13 times more potent than morphine.
Kratom has also been used for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia as a natural home remedy. Traditionally, kratom has been used to treat:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
Nevertheless, the trade status of kratom domestically remains unclear. Minister of Trade Budi Santoso revealed that there are currently no specific regulations governing the domestic circulation of kratom.
“So there are no regulations related to domestic trade. Most of this is for export,”
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso
This means that although kratom has received export permits based on Trade Minister Regulations (Permendag) No. 20 and 21 of 2024, this does not automatically mean the product can be freely sold domestically.
It should be noted that kratom was previously classified as a Category 1 narcotic, meaning its circulation was highly restricted. However, after various studies and government considerations, its status has now changed.
“Yes, now there’s no problem. At that time, it had been agreed upon. Finally, the Permendag was issued, and it is now allowed for export,” he explained.
This article has been translated from the original Indonesian version.
Source:
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/lifestyle/20250620113708-33-642549/daun-surga-asal-kalimantan-diburu-warga-amerika-ini-khasiatnya
