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n developing countries like Indonesia, where the bulk of industrial processing is focused on the end of the production chain, not much is known about enzymatic catalysis.

In reality, production of virtually all mass-produced products, from food to health amenities, involve the use of industrial enzymes.

The majority of snacks in our supermarkets most likely contain some sort of taste enhancer that is produced through enzymatic catalysis. We can even find several types of enzymes in our washing detergents.

So although there is indifference over them, many have unknowingly become dependent on enzymes.

Think of enzymes as micro machines/workers that help get the job done. They help certain processes, especially those that usually involve chemicals, to produce the desired end product. In some cases, the chemical treatments can be completely substituted or at least be dramatically reduced by enzymatic catalysis.

In leather processing for example, to remove hair, fat and other substances, certain types of enzymes can be used instead of dangerous chemicals that pollute the environment.

Compared to other countries, especially to those in the “developed” bracket, Indonesia is far behind the curve in enzymatic technology. Never mind production, we’re not even fully literate with simple utilizations, especially at the industrial scale.

Nevertheless, the Indonesian industrial sector imports Rp 187 billion (US$14.21 million) worth of enzymes. Comparing the amount to the global enzyme market that reaches up to Rp 105 trillion, the Indonesian market is still at a juvenile stage and can still be expanded.

The one and only recognizable enzyme production plant in Indonesia is in Gresik, East Java, and is run in collaboration between the Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and PT Petrosida Gresik. The plant boasts of being able to produce 200 tons of enzyme powder annually.

However, only one type of enzyme is being produced so far, which is a bit of an irony, coming from a nation that has immense microbial biodiversity, the source of most, if not all industrial enzymes.

Indonesia is not yet concerned about the quality of consumption. Rather, in a country where 11 percent of the population still lives in poverty, factors related to affordability and availability remain a priority. This paradigm might be enough for now, but for competing on the global stage, such aspirations are simply not good enough. To be more competitive, we need high-quality products and the use of enzymatic technology is among the solutions.

The ranges of applications are vast and there are many places to improve. Imagine a sweet soy sauce industry that not only caters to domestic needs, but global needs as well. The tastes of the sauces can be differentiated, tailor-made for specific target audiences.

The Indonesian sweet soy sauce need not remain a domestic brand, but can be transformed into a global one. Don’t forget to count in other products. We can develop top biscuits with novel textures, high quality leather from Garut that is indistinguishable from the most expensive leather products in Europe, Indonesian cheeses with unique tastes, etc., and while doing so, help reduce stress and damage caused to the environment by obsolete and damaging processing methods.

So where do we start? Any chances to learn or collaborate with countries and companies that are experienced in enzymatic processes need to be taken.

There are a handful of companies that dominate the mainstream enzyme world market, one of them being Novozyme. On the other hand, other companies choose to produce specific enzymes for specific needs; such is the case for Amano Enzyme.

Technology transfer from those who have the know-how is crucial in building our nation’s ability to use enzymatic processes. The Indonesian government needs to seriously consider regulating the enzyme market in Indonesia for the growth of local enzyme producers. There also needs to be regulations to support and encourage local industries to adopt enzymatic technology.

By doing so, local products will be enhanced, which in turn will help our products compete in the global market.
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The writer is a research fellow at the School of Government and Public Policy Indonesia, Bogor, West Java.