A tropical climate and fertile volcanic soils predispose Indonesia to biodiversity levels largely unmatched on the global stage. Currently ranked second only to Brazil in the measure of variation of organisms in an ecosystem, the country lays claim to more than 28,000 plant species, of which 6,000 have been identified as having potential medical applications. Plants indigenous to the Papua province such as Pandanus conoideus (also known as red fruit, or buah merah) and Phaleria macrocarpa (also known as God’s Crown, or buah mahkota dewa) are but two examples of local flora rising to international prominence on the back of their effective use in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

In referring to Indonesia’s wealth of natural resources, it is therefore appropriate to look beyond oil, gas and mining industries towards areas of business that sustainably tap into this biodiversity, such as the production of natural extracts. Growing demand for herbal medicines and products made with natural ingredients in both the local and international market opens the door to lucrative new opportunities for companies such as Javaplant that are positioned to develop high quality herbal and spice extracts from Indonesian-origin plants. The country thus stands as a strategic manufacturing destination for natural extract producers, offering the advantages of direct access to sought-after raw materials as well as cost-competitive land and labour. As one of Asia’s largest manufacturers of natural extracts, Javaplant stands as testament to the rapid growth potential for companies that complement these favourable business conditions with the use of modern technology and the latest production methods.

Javaplant’s success in obtaining high quality raw materials is built upon a foundation of strong ties to local smallholders. The company works only with certified farmers that have a proven track record in carrying out responsible cultivation and harvesting methods. In keeping with its USDA and EU Organic certifications, the company supports those committed to sustainable, organic farming practices in growing a variety of plants such as pimpinella, turmeric, cinnamon and tongkat ali.

Through cooperation with farmers primarily located in villages surrounding its manufacturing facilities in Central Java, Javaplant plays an integral role in supporting the local community. The company goes to great lengths to provide farmers with the training and knowhow required to increase harvest yields and ensure the cultivation of raw materials with the necessary levels of bio-actives to produce premium natural extracts. As there remains much to be gained with regards to improving upon the productivity of local smallholders in Indonesia, the involvement of companies such as Javaplant in serving as a force for modernization stands to become all the more important.

Javaplant’s network of suppliers also extends into provinces beyond Central Java, as demonstrated by close working relationship with producers of fruits and crops in Papua. The company’s sphere of influence in encouraging the implementation of efficient cultivation and harvesting techniques therefore encompasses the archipelago in its entirety, and reinforces Javaplant’s well-earned reputation as a leading Indonesian innovator.