TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Govt to increase, protect pearl production with SNI

The government is looking to increase pearl production and quality through a new Indonesian National Standards (SNI) code

The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
Thu, October 13, 2011

Share This Article

Change Size

Govt to increase, protect pearl production with SNI

T

he government is looking to increase pearl production and quality through a new Indonesian National Standards (SNI) code.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad said on Thursday that the government expected to produce 12 tons of pearls in 2012, half of the national potential.

“We produced 7 tons of pearls this year, 5.7 tons last year,” he said after opening a five-day pearl festival at Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta.

He added that an SNI code on pearls issued in April would accompany the production target, as it ensured pearl surface quality.

The SNI code on pearls outlines grades A, B and C. Grade A pearls are “very good”, with bumps covering no more than 10 percent of the surface. Grade B is “good”, with bumps on up to 30 percent of the surface. Grade C is “fair”, with bumps on up to 60 percent of the surface and scratches on less than 30 percent.

Indonesia currently produces South Sea pearls (SSP), the largest and most valuable cultured pearl. Indonesia is the world’s biggest producer of SSPs, with locations in the Eastern regions such as Maluku and East and West Nusa Tenggara.

The ministry’s director general for fishery product processing and marketing, Victor P.H. Nikijuluw, said the government would enact the code soon with a ministerial decree.

“We hope the decree will be signed in the next two weeks. By that time, the SNI will be mandatory and all pearl producers and exporters must follow it,” he said.

Victor said that applying the SNI code on pearls might allow export expansion with a higher value in the future, because the SNI code followed international standards and was internationally recognized.

“We export 95 percent of our pearl production annually. Unfortunately, we only contribute US$30 million to the total global pearl trade’s $1.5 billion trade,” he said.

A 3.75-gram pearl, known as 1 momme, is worth ¥6000 ($78.25).

Some 60 percent of Indonesia’s pearls are exported to Japan, while the rest go to Hong Kong and Europe.

“With the SNI code, we hope to reach 10 percent of the global market, with a value of around $200 million,” Victor said, adding that the code would also filter out the flow of imported fresh-water and imitation pearls from China.

Victor said the government would invite 28 exporters to discuss the code and follow it.

Indonesian Pearl Aquaculture Association chairman Anthony Tanios agreed with the SNI concept, saying it would maintain production standards and could help Indonesian pearls gain traction in the foreign market.

However, he said an increased production target could burden local producers, as normal pearl cultivation was challenging. (fem)

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.