JAKARTA — In a striking policy pivot, Indonesian officials have finally cleared the way for kratom exports under a series of new regulations—a move that comes at a time when the nation’s notoriously strict drug laws continue to draw international attention. Since the implementation of these rules in September 2024, large cargo containers laden with the traditional herbal product had been bottlenecked at Indonesian ports, awaiting clearance.
Last week, the Ministry of Trade released 351 tons of kratom packaged in 13 cargo containers. “Congratulations to the kratom business actors who have succeeded in penetrating the international market by meeting the export standards set by the government,” declared Minister of Trade Budi Santoso in an official statement. His remarks underscored not only the economic promise of this commodity but also the government’s determination to balance international market access with domestic regulatory rigor.
New Regulations for a Traditional Commodity
The new framework consists of two key trade regulations enacted after six months of intensive deliberation:
- Trade Regulation Number 20: An amendment to a 2023 rule, this regulation bans the export of contaminated substances, with a keen focus on ensuring that kratom shipments are free from toxic levels of heavy metals, bacterial contaminants, and extraneous plant matter.
- Trade Regulation Number 21: This broader export policy mandates that all kratom shipments comply with predetermined quality standards, a move designed to add value to the product while providing exporters with legal clarity.
While industry leaders have long clamored for clearer guidelines, the transition was not without its hiccups. Early delays—attributable to stalled compliance inspections and the need for exporters to quickly adapt to rigorous new standards—complicated the rollout. Only certified facilities, subject to testing by PT SUCOFINDO, an agency appointed to ensure quality, can now issue permits for kratom export. According to Eko Darmansyah Sugiarto, an official overseeing foreign trade, 52 exporters have already met the new criteria and are legally positioned to ship kratom abroad.
Agus Widhiyanto, representing the Association of Borneo Natural Revenue Management Community Group (Kompar), expressed cautious optimism. “With the implementation of this regulation, there is protection for us from the risk of rejection by buyers in the destination country. One of the benefits is that we can avoid losses from rejection by buyers after we send the goods,” he said, highlighting the economic safeguards the new framework provides.
Kratom in a Landscape of Stringent Drug Laws
Kratom, derived from the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa, has long occupied a unique legal limbo in Indonesia. While it is a staple of traditional medicine and a valuable export commodity, its psychoactive properties have, at times, drawn scrutiny under Indonesia’s uncompromising drug laws. The archipelago has earned a reputation for one of the strictest anti-drug stances in Southeast Asia. Under laws that date back several decades—including severe penalties, and in some cases, the death penalty for trafficking “hard” drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin—Indonesia has shown little tolerance for substance misuse.
However, the recent regulatory adjustments regarding kratom export underscore a nuanced approach. Experts note that these measures do not signal any relaxation in the country’s domestic drug policies. Rather, they reflect a dual strategy: aggressively curtailing illicit drug trafficking while promoting the legitimate, regulated trade of traditional products that offer significant economic potential. This bifurcated stance is evident in ongoing debates within the legislature, where reform advocates seek to differentiate between substances with clear medical and economic benefits and those that pose a substantial risk to public health.
International observers have been quick to note this contrast. The Global Kratom Coalition, headquartered in the United States, has been a vocal supporter of the new regulatory framework. In August 2024, its Executive Director, Matthew Lowe, stated, “The Global Kratom Coalition fully supports the regulatory developments that will ensure the safe and responsible trading of kratom, benefiting both farmers and consumers. This initiative marks a significant step towards safeguarding kratom’s economic potential while adhering to health and safety standards.”
A Balancing Act in Policy and Practice
Indonesia’s latest move highlights an ongoing balancing act. On one hand, the government is keen to boost exports and enhance the quality of its traditional products through strict compliance measures. On the other, it must maintain its renowned—and often criticized—commitment to a zero-tolerance drug policy that spares no effort when it comes to controlling more dangerous substances. The contrast is stark: while a failed kratom shipment may result in severe economic setbacks, violations involving narcotics can lead to draconian punishments under Indonesian law.
Legal experts suggest that the reformed export policy is part of a broader trend in which countries with harsh domestic drug laws are beginning to modernize their approach to controlled substances with potential economic benefits. “This policy is emblematic of a pragmatic approach,” said one local analyst. “Indonesia is modernizing its export regulations to meet international standards, even as it continues to enforce strict domestic controls.”
As Indonesia navigates these complex legal waters, the world watches closely. The unfolding story of kratom exports may well signal a new era—one where economic pragmatism and rigorous public safety measures converge, setting a potential precedent for legal reforms in other sectors as well.
