Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Kratom is now one of the most promising commodities in the international market. Due to its popularity abroad, Indonesia has been exporting kratom to several countries in Europe and America.
Citing information from the Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management (PHL) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (now separated into two different ministries), kratom is a tropical plant originating from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. It is stated that kratom has diverse benefits.
BPS data from 2023 shows 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. Meanwhile, based on data from the Ministry of Trade, DKI Jakarta is the main player in Indonesia’s overall kratom exports. Its contribution reached US$4.45 million, or about 60.75% of the total export value.
West Kalimantan and East Java follow in second and third positions with significant contributions. In the overseas market, kratom processed into an extract form is valued at up to US$6,000 per kg.
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).
Enduring Popularity Despite Challenges
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.
Kratom itself is known for its benefits in traditional medicine, such as alleviating pain, anxiety, and assisting in the detoxification process for opioid users. Although it has sparked controversy in Indonesia and was labeled a “new drug,” kratom has successfully penetrated the US market and grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Benefits of Kratom
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso revealed that kratom can increase physical stamina and relieve depression.
“Kratom can be consumed, if I’m not mistaken, it can be in syrup form,”
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso stated.
He explained that most kratom products are indeed used as health ingredients. “So it can be brewed like tea, it’s like for body vitality, all sorts of things,” he clarified.
Domestic Legal Status Remains Unclear
Despite its export success, the domestic trade status of kratom in Indonesia remains unclear. Trade Minister Budi stated 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,” Budi said.
This means that even though kratom has received export permits based on Trade Minister Regulations (Permendag) No. 20 and 21 of 2024, it 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/news/20250713152318-4-648658/as-kecanduan-daun-surga-ri-ternyata-punya-khasiat-vitalitas
