National cocoa performance is showing positive signs. After facing productivity challenges in recent years, Indonesian cocoa production is projected to increase further in 2026.
According to Plantation Statistics data, cocoa production in 2024 was recorded at 617,000 tons from an area of 1.37 million hectares. In 2025 (preliminary figures), production was around 616,000 tons, and in 2026 it is projected to increase to 635,000 tons, with an area of 1.38 million hectares. This increase represents a crucial momentum amid strengthening global cocoa prices and increasing international market demand.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the national cocoa revival must be directed at increasing productivity and accelerating downstream processing.
“Farmers are key. Almost all of our cocoa plantations are managed by smallholders. Therefore, increasing productivity through rejuvenation, the use of superior seeds, and intensive mentoring must be a priority. We must not only export raw materials, but also strengthen downstream processing so that added value is enjoyed domestically,” said Minister Amran.
It is known that approximately 99 percent of national cocoa plantations are managed by smallholders, with production contributing more than 616,000 tons by 2024. Approximately 1.50 million cocoa farmer families depend on this commodity for their livelihood.
Sulawesi, for example, remains the backbone of national production, contributing more than 60 percent, or approximately 378,000 tons. Sumatra, meanwhile, contributes approximately 164,000 tons. Lampung and North Sumatra are the main contributors to production.
On the trade side, Indonesia’s cocoa exports in 2024 reached 348,000 tons, valued at US$2.65 billion. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data processed by the Directorate General of Plantations shows that Indonesia’s cocoa export trend from 2021 to 2025 continues to play a significant role in the global market, with key destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Separately, Acting Director General of Plantations Abdul Roni Angkat stated that the surge in domestic cocoa prices in 2025 is in line with the rise in international prices for fermented cocoa beans.
“Domestic cocoa prices in 2025 will follow the global price trend, which has seen significant strengthening. This presents a significant opportunity for farmers to increase their income. Therefore, we are encouraging quality improvements, particularly in fermentation, to optimize prices at the farmer level,” he said.
He believes the momentum of high prices must be leveraged to accelerate the transformation of the cocoa sector through downstream processing. The government is encouraging the strengthening of the processing industry, from fermented beans, cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, to finished chocolate products, so that added value doesn’t stop at the upstream level.
“By improving productivity and quality, we are not only strengthening Indonesia’s position as a producer, but also as a key player in the global processed cocoa supply chain. Downstream processing is a strategy to maintain price stability, increase competitiveness, and ensure the welfare of farmers,” he emphasized.
With an acreage of more than 1.3 million hectares and millions of farmers involved, cocoa plays a strategic role in strengthening regional economies, particularly in eastern Indonesia.
“The projected increase in production in 2026 is expected to be a turning point in the revival of national cocoa, moving towards a more productive, sustainable, and high-value-added business system,” Roni hoped.
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