JAKARTA - The Ministry of Trade through the Directorate General of National Export Development and Fairventures Worldwide signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of sustainable light wood. The signing of this MoU is a form of the Ministry of Trade's commitment to support innovation and creativity in the development of light wood, especially the types of sengon and jabon. This MoU is also a step taken by the Ministry of Trade, which believes that the prospect of light wood will be the world's prima donna in the future.
“The demand for wood materials in the global market continues to increase along with the growth of the human population. In 2021, the world's total tropical timber trade will reach USD 196.4 billion, while tropical forest timber production will only reach 2.6 billion cubic meters (m3). So that the untapped potential market can be utilized by Indonesian wood exporters and producers," said Director General of National Export Development Didi Sumedi.
According to Didi, light wood has become the prima donna to be processed using technology and innovation into various products that are very prime and of high value in the world, especially Japan and countries in the European region. However, there are still not many consumers who know the uses of light wood.
Indonesia, continued Didi, is one of the largest timber barns in the world that has the potential to dominate the market by supplying light wood in a sustainable manner. It is also adapted to the tastes of consumers who want lightweight materials, flexible in application, environmentally friendly, and sustainable.
In 2021, Indonesia's wood product exports will be recorded at USD 13.56 billion. This value is up 18.52 percent compared to 2020. The main export destinations for Indonesian wood products are China, the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Australia, and Vietnam. (LM)