Palm oil export strategy shifts amid India-Pakistan conflict

The Ministry of Agriculture announced that the Indonesian government is open to potential new markets for palm oil exports as part of mitigation amid the India-Pakistan conflict.

Director of Palm Oil and Other Palms of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ardi Praptono, stated here on Wednesday that target markets include countries in Africa, South Africa, and East Asia.

“We will open new markets, especially in Africa and others. We learn from our experience, from the previous (import tariff negotiations) with the United States, too,” he remarked.

Furthermore, he emphasized that Indonesia, as one of the world’s palm oil producers, must remain adaptable, especially in promoting and marketing its products more broadly.

He underscored that this effort requires attention from all relevant stakeholders, even though the conflict has not yet had a significant impact on Indonesia’s palm oil exports.

“Based on the current development, it will have an impact. To this end, mitigation is important. We must penetrate new markets,” he emphasized.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue in resolving the crisis.

“The Indonesian government is monitoring closely the development of the situation between India and Pakistan,” the ministry posted on X on Wednesday (May 7).

Following the latest clashes between the two neighboring countries, Indonesian citizens residing in India and Pakistan are advised to remain alert and avoid traveling to affected areas and possible targeted places.

ANI news agency on Tuesday (May 13) reported that the situation in the Indian region bordering Pakistan, where gunfire and drone interceptions were reported the previous night, remained calm.

Tags: markets, East Asia, exports, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, palm oil, South Africa, Africa