Indonesia has announced that it will start regulating the cultivation and export of kratom, a herbal substance that has gained significant interest in the United States as a potential pain reliever and anxiety reducer. [1][2]
This move comes as Indonesia, one of the world’s major kratom producers, has been considering reclassifying the plant to make it legal for cultivation and export. [3] The Indonesian government sees kratom as having huge potential and economic benefits, and is working to ensure the health standards and safety of kratom exports. [3]
Specifically, the Indonesian government has agreed to partner with the American-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, the American Kratom Association, and the Anugerah Bumi Hijau Producers Cooperative to develop a regulated export system for kratom. [3] This will involve joint research between US and Indonesian institutions to better understand the properties and safety profile of kratom. [3]
However, the legal status of kratom in Indonesia has been contentious, as the National Narcotics Agency has previously classified it as an addictive substance. [3][5] The government is now working to clarify kratom’s classification and establish appropriate regulations to facilitate safe and compliant exports. [5]
Overall, Indonesia’s move to regulate kratom cultivation and exports represents an important step in developing this emerging herbal industry in a responsible manner, while also potentially boosting economic opportunities for Indonesian farmers and exporters. [3]
Citations:
[1] https://twitter.com/KratomGuyShow/status/1804308920413954110
[2] https://twitter.com/Reuters_Health/status/1803903262606667787
[3] https://ksp.go.id/en/us-association-initiates-partnership-in-kratom-export-with-indonesia.html
[4] https://journal.uniku.ac.id/index.php/unifikasi/article/download/5502/3284
[5] https://en.antaranews.com/news/316497/president-holds-meeting-to-discuss-legalizing-kratom