TANGERANG – Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto attended the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD, Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday (October 14, 2026).

Minister Yandri expressed hope that this international-scale trade exhibition will serve as a turning point for downstream rural products to compete on the global stage.

He noted that the event represents Indonesia’s largest annual Business-to-Business (B2B) trade platform, coordinated under the Directorate General of National Export Development of the Ministry of Trade.

"These products originate from Fakfak, West Papua. The innovation in value-added processing is outstanding. We sampled sago blended with Papuan Red Fruit (Buah Merah), which was exceptional, alongside candied nutmeg," Minister Yandri stated.

During the event, Minister Yandri visited exhibition booths featuring products fostered by Kemendes PDT’s Integrated Village Economic Transformation (TEKAD) program, including processed nutmeg commodities that featured prominently at the expo.

He praised these downstream innovations, emphasizing that nutmeg processing represents a strategic imperative for the national economy, given Indonesia’s position as one of the world's leading nutmeg producers.

Historically, Indonesian nutmeg exports have been dominated by raw materials or semi-processed goods without further value addition, restricting overall economic yield.

He further explained that nutmeg possesses broad industrial applications. The fruit pulp can be processed into candied fruit, jams, and preserves, while the seeds yield valuable spices and essential oils for the food and beverage industry.

"This is precisely what elevates economic value. This achievement deserves our highest commendation. Congratulations on this downstream nutmeg initiative," he concluded.

Also attending the event were Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Downstream Industry Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Head of the Special Development Planning Agency (Bappisus) Aris Marsudiyanto, along with several Deputy Ministers of the Red and White Cabinet.

Accompanying Minister Yandri was Director General of Economic Development and Investment (PEID) Tabrani.

Photo: Angga/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT