President Prabowo Highlights Plans to Boost Cocoa Exports to Belarus

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to accelerating the development of its cocoa cultivation and chocolate industry, with a strategic focus on increasing exports to international markets, particularly Belarus. The move comes in response to surging global cocoa prices and growing international demand.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at his private residence in Solo, Central Java, on Sunday (July 20), President Prabowo emphasized the need for swift and comprehensive action to tap into the global market potential.

“I recently visited Belarus, a country with strong potash resources, and they are interested in a variety of commodities from us, including rubber and cocoa,” Prabowo stated. “Given the global rise in cocoa prices, we must seize this opportunity. Belarus has shown great interest in our cocoa.”

He further explained that the global spike in cocoa prices is believed to be driven by widespread crop damage in South America and Africa due to disease, presenting a unique window of opportunity for Indonesia.

“We have begun taking the necessary measures to scale up cocoa farming. This is what I discussed with President Jokowi,” he added.

President Prabowo’s remarks followed his recent diplomatic tour, which included visits to Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, Belgium, and Belarus. On July 15, during the final leg of the tour, he met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the latter’s private residence outside Minsk.

The two leaders held a three-hour meeting, during which they explored strategic cooperation in the trade of agricultural and natural resources, including rubber latex, cocoa, lumber, and fertilizers.

President Prabowo also extended an invitation to President Lukashenko to visit Indonesia again, following his earlier visit to Jakarta in 2013.

In response, President Lukashenko welcomed the invitation and praised the bilateral ties between the two nations. He noted that President Prabowo was among the few world leaders he had received at his private residence, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I think we will choose the time and prepare the agenda thoroughly. I will be looking forward to visiting Indonesia again,” Lukashenko said.

The strengthening of agricultural and trade relations with Belarus is expected to contribute to Indonesia’s broader economic goals and support the country’s efforts to become a major global cocoa exporter.