PORTALJABAR, KAB. CIREBON - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin is committed to increasing exports of Cirebon rattan products to various countries in Asia and Australia. This became known after exports of rattan products in 2023 decreased due to the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

"Our rattan exports in 2023 will decrease compared to 2022. I hope it will increase again this year, we will look for markets in other countries," said Bey when met after inspecting rattan production at the Cirebon Rattan Industry Development Service Unit, Tegalwangi Village, Wednesday (3/1/2024) . Bey said that apart from looking for new markets, rattan products would be further developed.

"This must be further developed in the future because this is one of our superior products, so there must be more product diversification," he said. Bey said that the prospects for typical Cirebon rattan products so far are very good. On average, rattan that is exported is processed into furniture products.

"The prospects for rattan are very good, and this is one of West Java's superior products that has been around for decades," he said.

During the inspection at the Service Unit under the Processed Food and Packaging Industry UPTD of the West Java Industry and Trade Department, workers who were local residents were seen producing rattan into chairs, tables, cupboards and wickerwork.

Cirebon Regency has long been known as an exporter of processed rattan. Tegalwangi Village in Weru District even has a Galmantro Rattan tourist village, where almost all the residents are rattan craftsmen.

"The rattan industry here (Tegalwangi) has been around for a long time," said Bey.

(SOURCE)