Prabowo Reviews Agricultural Modernization in Karawang

Emphasis on Downstream Processing

President Prabowo Subianto conducted a comprehensive review of agricultural innovation during his visit to Karawang, West Java, on January 7, 2026. The visit focused on various aspects of agricultural modernization, including the implementation of advanced farming technologies. Prabowo witnessed demonstrations of autonomous farming equipment such as tractors and rice transplanters, as well as the use of agricultural drones to enhance farming efficiency.

Hilirisasi and Value Addition

The President also visited an agricultural exhibition showcasing various downstream processing innovations. One notable exhibit was the development of gambir products. Muhammad Makky from Andalas University explained that gambir, being an endemic Indonesian plant, presents a significant economic opportunity due to its unique global demand. The processing of gambir involves boiling and pressing leaves to extract a paste that hardens into blocks containing valuable compounds like tanin and katekin.

Economic Potential and Future Plans

Makky emphasized that Indonesia currently exports gambir in raw form, missing out on potential value addition. He urged the government to support the development of downstream industries for gambir, particularly in production centers like West Sumatra and North Sumatra. The President's visit highlighted the government's focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and value creation through technological innovation and hilirisasi.