Indonesian President Joko Widodo has urged for continued research into the potential benefits of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia. According to a report from ANTARA News, the president emphasized the importance of optimizing research on kratom during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Palace.
While the Health Ministry has concluded that kratom is not a dangerous narcotic and can be used as a pain reliever, the government is awaiting further research results from BRIN, expected in August. The administration is also addressing concerns about kratom trade and management, particularly for the 18,000 families in West Kalimantan struggling with exports due to lack of product standardization.
Indonesia exported kratom worth $4.86 million to the United States from January to May 2023. The government aims to regulate kratom management and trade to ensure product safety and maintain export quality.
