Uncertainty continues to prevail over quotas imposed on rattan exports involving the Indonesian Trade Ministry and the Industry Ministry, reported The Jakarta Post. The quotas imposed under a new regulation, which constitutes the fourth revision of a 2005 regulation, have remained unchanged despite mounting calls to reduce or completely ban rattan exports in order to address the acute shortage of the raw material. However, Industry Minister Mr. Fahmi Idris indicated that the quotas could be amended as the new regulation was still undergoing further revision. The Industry Ministry reveals that the country produces 600,000 tons of raw rattan annually, which represents 75% to 80% of the world’s total production. Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua are the main rattanproducing regions in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Furniture Entrepreneurs Association (Asmindo) said the local annual demand for the commodity amounts to 300,000 tons. The Industry Ministry and Asmindo, which represents rattan producers and craftsmen, have called on the Trade Ministry to curtail raw rattan exports further, while the Indonesian Rattan Furniture and Craft Association (AMKRI) is demanding that the Trade Ministry should cease issuing export permits for the commodity. AMKRI Chairman Hatta Sinatra commented that the country might not be able to meet local demand, estimated at up to USD300 million, if the government did not curtail exports of rattan.