Indonesia has all the potential to become self-sufficient in sugar: vast agricultural land, hardworking farmers, and consistently high market demand. Yet in reality, the country still imports millions of tons of sugar annually.
The issue is not just about production volume. It’s also about quality, efficiency, and compliance with standards. If Indonesia wants to be truly self-reliant in sugar, the entire system—from farm to factory—needs to be strengthened.
High Imports Despite Strong Potential
Indonesia’s annual sugar consumption reaches around 7 million tons, but local production still falls short—especially for industrial needs. The main problems include:
- Low sugarcane yield (rendemen)
- Inefficient processing technology
- Inconsistent quality and lack of certification
- Products that fail to meet industrial or export specifications
Without strong systems in place, high output alone isn’t enough.
A Supply Chain Still Lacking in Readiness
Despite Indonesia’s strong sugarcane potential, the industry—from farms to factories—faces structural and technical challenges:
- Low sugarcane extraction (rendemen) leads to inefficiencies
- Outdated processing technology, especially in small and medium-scale mills
- Lack of standardized quality control, causing inconsistent product outcomes
- Limited certification and traceability systems, restricting market access
- Weak supply chain transparency, a growing concern in global food safety requirements
Without a structured intervention involving testing, inspection, and certification, sugar self-sufficiency will remain an ambition, not an achievement.
SUCOFINDO’s Support for Building a Reliable Sugar Supply Chain
As a state-owned enterprise in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector, SUCOFINDO provides end-to-end services to enhance the quality and reliability of Indonesia’s sugar industry:
- Laboratory Testing for Sugar and Raw Materials
Testing is essential to ensure that sugar products are safe and compliant:
- Sucrose content & yield analysis: Measures how much sugar is extracted per ton of cane
- Moisture and purity levels: Ensures product shelf-life and consistency
- Contaminant testing: Detects heavy metals, microbiological agents, and pesticide residues
- Certification and Quality Management Systems
Certification proves that sugar processing follows recognized international standards:
- ISO 22000 / HACCP: Food safety management from farm to packaging
- ISO 9001: Quality control and process consistency
- SNI (Indonesian National Standard): Compliance with local market requirements
- Inspection & Traceability Verification
Monitoring ensures the product maintains quality throughout the supply chain:
- Factory and warehouse inspection: Checks for hygiene, efficiency, and compliance
- Distribution supervision: Prevents spoilage or contamination in logistics
- Traceability audits: Tracks sugar from farm to consumer, vital for export and recall protocols
- Training & Capacity Building
Human capital is key to sustaining improvement. SUCOFINDO offers:
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) training: For sugarcane farmers to increase yield and reduce waste
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) workshops: For factory operators to implement food safety
- Documentation support for certification: Ensuring full regulatory compliance
Who Needs These Services?
- Sugarcane farmers and cooperatives: To improve yield and access formal markets
- Sugar mills and processors: To comply with industrial or export standards
- Food and beverage companies: That require certified, traceable sugar
- Small exporters (e.g., coconut or palm sugar): Looking to expand to global markets
- State-owned enterprises and food logistics firms: Supporting national food security policies
Business and National Impact
✔️ Enhanced food security through domestic production
✔️ Reduced import dependency, saving national expenditure
✔️ Safer, traceable sugar products backed by lab results
✔️ Better market competitiveness both locally and abroad
✔️ Stronger agricultural sustainability and accountability
Self-Sufficiency Begins with Standards and Systems
Food independence is not just about growing more—it’s about building a robust, traceable, and quality-assured system.
SUCOFINDO is here to support Indonesia’s sugar industry—ensuring every step, from cane to crystal, follows verified standards. With trusted lab testing, certification services, and national reach, SUCOFINDO helps Indonesian sugar rise to global expectations.
Because the future of food security starts with trust, quality, and readiness.
