PACITAN – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, officially flagged off the export of palm sugar to three countries—Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Australia—in Temon Village, Arjosari District, Pacitan Regency, East Java.

According to the Minister, these palm sugar exports mark a turning point for local products in Pacitan to penetrate the global market. He noted that villages possess significant superior potential which, if managed effectively, will bring prosperity to the surrounding communities.

"This is an extraordinary moment—the send-off for organic sugar exports to three countries. God willing, this will be followed by other exports from Pacitan, making Pacitan increasingly global," Minister Yandri explained during his address at the Palm Sugar Export Launch in Temon Village, Thursday (Feb 12, 2026).

Minister Yandri also expressed appreciation to the various stakeholders in attendance and invited local villagers to actively participate in these creative economic activities. He emphasized that local involvement is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility in maintaining and developing potential village land.

Furthermore, he hoped that villagers would continue to uphold the tradition of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) to maximize local resources, both in terms of labor and materials. This is vital for village progress, particularly in economic development through village markets.

"I give my highest appreciation for the great work of the Village Head, PT ASTRA, the Local Government, and related institutions. This is not an easy task; without collaboration, this wouldn't be possible. We are not Supermen, but a Superteam," Minister Yandri remarked.

The Minister added that export efforts require extra attention to production continuity and logistics to ensure village products can truly penetrate and sustain their presence in international markets. He urged village entrepreneurs to pay close attention to quality, packaging, and certification to remain competitive globally.

"Exporting is not a one- or two-month job. Usually, exporters or buyers demand three certainties: first is quality, second is quantity, and third is continuity," he concluded.

Accompanying Minister Yandri were the Director General of PEID, Tabrani; the Regent of Pacitan, Indrata Nur Bayuaji; Head of Environment & Social Responsibility Division at Astra, Diah Suran Febrianti; and member of the East Java Provincial DPRD, Suli Daim.