Indonesia takes the global stage as the world’s third-largest tapioca starch producer, making it a vital source for your tapioca starch requirements. When seeking tapioca starch suppliers, Indonesia stands out as a key player. To navigate the Indonesian tapioca industry effectively, it’s essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cassava and tapioca starch sector, trade markets, cultivation regions, and product options. This guide will help you discover manufacturers that align with your specific needs.
The Top 7 Cassava Producing Regions in Indonesia
Cassava cultivation thrives in various regions across Indonesia, with the following areas emerging as the foremost producers:
West Java Province
West Java Province takes the lead as Indonesia’s primary cassava producer, earning the title ‘Cassava Village.’ Cassava is a staple ingredient in many dishes, with key cassava-producing districts in Bogor, Garut, Sukabumi, and Bandung.
East Java Province
East Java Province secures the second spot, known for exporting its natural cassava products. Ponorogo, Pacitan, Malang, and Kediri are notable cassava-producing areas.
Central Java Province
Central Java Province claims the third position, boasting fertile soil conducive to widespread cassava cultivation. Banyumas, Cilacap, Banjarnegara, and Kebumen are among the prominent cassava-producing regions.
Yogyakarta Special Region
Yogyakarta Special Region stands as the fourth-largest producer, renowned for the superior Ketan Bima Sena cassava variety.
Lampung Province
Lampung Province significantly contributes to Indonesia’s cassava production, with East Lampung, Central Lampung, and Tulang Bawang as prominent cassava-producing regions.
South Sulawesi Province
South Sulawesi Province is a notable cassava contributor, supported by government initiatives promoting rapid cassava cultivation.
North Sumatra Province
North Sumatra Province rounds off the list as a substantial cassava-producing region, with Deli Serdang, North Tapanuli, and Simalungun being key areas of focus.
Indonesia’s Cassava Products
Indonesia’s cassava industry primarily revolves around two key products: cassava chips and native tapioca starch.
Tapioca Chips
Tapioca chips represent the fundamental form of cassava processing. They are created by shredding cassava roots into small pieces and then drying them. These dried cassava chips serve as raw materials in the animal feed industry, animal production, and the tapioca pellet industry.
Indonesia ranks as the third-largest supplier of tapioca chips to China, with the export value of this product steadily increasing.
Native Tapioca Starch
Native tapioca starch is the unaltered starch extracted from the cassava plant. The process involves washing, crushing, and separating the starch from other components in cassava roots.
Native tapioca starch is commonly used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, or binding agent in various food and industrial applications. It boasts a neutral flavor, high viscosity, and excellent clarity when dissolved in water.
While Indonesian tapioca starch represents a smaller share of the total export value, it is particularly favored in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East.
Indonesia’s Tapioca Starch Trade
In the ever-evolving landscape of international trade, Indonesia has emerged as a formidable player in the tapioca starch market. In 2021, Indonesia proudly exported a significant $122 million worth of tapioca starch, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest exporter of this essential product.
Indonesia’s Tapioca Starch Exports
In 2021, China emerged as the primary destination for Indonesia’s tapioca starch exports, with imports totaling an impressive $95.8 million. Chinese Taipei and Vietnam followed closely, with imports valued at $11.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Malaysia and the United States also played substantial roles, importing $1.79 million and $1.05 million worth of tapioca starch, respectively, from Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Tapioca Starch Imports
During the same year, Indonesia imported tapioca starch amounting to $26 million, ranking the country as the ninth-largest global importer of this versatile product. Among Indonesia’s top sources for tapioca starch imports, Thailand held a dominant position, with exports valued at $25 million. Singapore and Chinese Taipei also made significant contributions to the supply chain, providing $835,000 and $123,000, respectively. Germany and Japan diversified the imports with exports worth $44.7 thousand and $270, respectively.