Technical Assistance II
The 'Brown Gold' of Ransiki
West Papua, the emerald jewel of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of natural resources, extending far beyond minerals and gas. Nestled in the easternmost part of the archipelago, this region is also home to a 'brown gold' – the premium cocoa beans that flourish in the Ransiki District of South Manokwari Regency. The region's fertile soil and ideal equatorial climate serve as the perfect nurturing ground for these valued beans, which not only contribute significantly to the region's economy but also bring joy to chocolate aficionados across the globe.
The Ransiki cocoa plantations are located approximately a two-hour drive heading south from Manokwari, the capital city of West Papua Province. The road trip offers a breathtaking scenery, a harmonious blend of coastal beauty and tropical wilderness, making the drive from Manokwari to Ransiki District not just a travel necessity but a memorable experience in itself. From above, the landscape of the cocoa plantation unfolds like a grand, verdant tapestry intricately woven with countless shades of green.
Ransiki Cocoa, a flagship local commodity, has gained international recognition for its premium quality and unique flavour. Due to these exceptional characteristics, Ransiki Cocoa has attracted numerous export requests from various countries. In a bid to protect this valuable heritage and ensure its sustainable future, farmers in the South Manokwari Regency, in collaboration with the local and provincial governments, have taken a significant step forward. They have initiated the process to acquire a Geographical Indication (GI) for Ransiki Cocoa, a move aimed at preserving the unique identity of their cocoa while promoting fair benefits and prosperity for the local farming communities.
Progress Towards GI Registration: The Role of ARISE+ Indonesia
The initial application in 2018 for the GI registration of Ransiki Cocoa was unsuccessful due to incomplete registration requirements. Following a recommendation from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, ARISE+ Indonesia stepped in to offer technical assistance to the South Manokwari Regional Government. This support aimed to facilitate the GI registration process for Ransiki Cocoa.
According to Giovanni Galanti, ARISE+ Indonesia's Key Expert Coordinating Priority Area 4 on Intellectual Property Rights and GI, the decision to focus support on cocoa stemmed from Indonesia's standing as one of the largest cocoa producers in the world, known for its wide range of cocoa variants. Domestically, Indonesia's chocolate industry is witnessing rapid growth. On the international stage, there is significant potential for further trade development, especially with the European Union, the second-largest importer of Indonesia’s cocoa products.
Despite this, the landscape for GI registration in Indonesia's cocoa sector remains largely untapped. Currently, only Cacao Berau has achieved GI registration, even though several other varieties display distinct qualities and features, making them strong candidates for GI status. In light of this, ARISE+ Indonesia has chosen to support the GI registration of a particularly noteworthy cocoa commodity with unique characteristics and a solid reputation, namely Ransiki Cocoa.
"We hope that our support will contribute to fostering the growth of the local quality cocoa industry and enhancing the global recognition of Indonesia's rich and varied cocoa heritage," stated Mr Galanti.
This assistance was warmly received by the local government and communities. Adir J Mandowen, Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Office of South Manokwari Regency, expressed his gratitude: "We deeply appreciate ARISE+ Indonesia's efforts in enhancing the understanding of both the local government and Ransiki's cocoa farmers about the GI registration process and in helping us establish an association—Society for the Protection of Geographical Indications (MPIG) of Ransiki Cocoa."
The capacity-building efforts undertaken by ARISE+ Indonesia in July 2023 bore fruit with the successful establishment of the local GI association—MPIG Kakao Ransiki, in September 2023, as ratified by the Decree of the Regent of South Manokwari No. 58 of 2023. The MPIG Kakao Ransiki board comprises cocoa farmers representatives, along with local authorities from both South Manokwari Regency and West Papua Province. The South Manokwari Regent holds the honorary role of Patron for the board.
Mandowen further noted that ARISE+ Indonesia played a significant role in assisting the MPIG Kakao Ransiki in preparing the GI Product Specification for the GI registration. "With the unwavering support of ARISE+ Indonesia, our aspiration to safeguard Ransiki Cocoa through GI registration is on the verge of becoming a reality," he stated.
Engagement with Ransiki Cocoa Stakeholders
On 1-3 November 2023, the ARISE+ Indonesia team, including Mr Soetanto Abdoellah and Mr Muhammad Rifan, led by Mr Galanti, conducted their second visit to Ransiki.
The visit aimed to finalise and endorse the draft of the Ransiki Cocoa Product Specification and to enhance understanding of the crucial steps to be taken post-GI registration, especially in light of the upcoming conclusion of the ARISE+ Indonesia project.
During their visit, the team engaged with the provincial MPIG Kakao Ransiki Expert Council and Board of Trustees. Key participants included Prof. Charlie D. Heatubun, Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Agency of West Papua, and Benidiktus Hery Wijayanto, representing the Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations Office of West Papua. The team also met with the MPIG Kakao Ransiki Board of Trustees at the regency level, involving various offices such as the Food Security and Agriculture Office, the Regional Development Planning and Research Development Agency, the Trade, Industry, Cooperatives and MSMEs Office, the Village Community Empowerment Office, the Integrated Investment Office, and the Tourism and Creative Economy Office. The meeting was also attended by MPIG Chairman Benon Waran and Abdul Rochim Arkan, a representative of Ransiki cocoa farmers.
Way Forward: Post GI Registration
At the meeting, Mr Galanti emphasised that obtaining the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate is just the beginning of the journey for Ransiki Cocoa stakeholders. The real work, he noted, starts post-registration to maximise the benefits of the GI status, particularly in enhancing the welfare of Ransiki's cocoa farmers.
"The key to success lies in maintaining the quality and reputation of Ransiki Cocoa as outlined in the Product Specification. This goal can be achieved through diligent implementation of the Internal Control Plan and Traceability, as well as proper labelling and branding," Mr Galanti explained.
He added that consistent maintenance of premium quality would facilitate the registration of IG Ransiki Cocoa in the European Union. Recognition in the EU could significantly broaden market access internationally, particularly in European countries. To realise this potential, Mr Galanti underscored the need for cohesive and harmonious cooperation among all Ransiki Cocoa stakeholders.
Responding to Mr Galanti's remarks, MPIG Chairman Benon Waran emphasised that the registration of the Geographical Indication is a testament to the Ransiki community's commitment to safeguarding its precious 'brown gold' and maintaining the authenticity and excellence that have put Ransiki Cocoa on the world map. "This legal protection is our way of ensuring that any product bearing the Ransiki Cocoa name adheres to the high-quality standards we have established and is verifiably sourced from the designated geographical area," Waran stated.
Abdul Rochim Arkan Sawasemaryai, a cocoa farmer and member of MPIG, affirmed the readiness of Ransiki Cocoa farmers to implement internal controls to uphold their premium quality, drawing from their experience in meeting stringent export quality standards. Rochim expressed his hope that, with Ransiki Cocoa's legal protection through the GI certificate, effective law enforcement will follow, ensuring the preservation of its reputation. "For this, we require the government's support," Rochim added.
Responding to the community's appeal, Prof. Heatubun affirmed the provincial government's commitment to supporting the development of Ransiki Cocoa as the local flagship non-deforestation commodity, aligning with the 2018 Manokwari Declaration's principles. This support encompasses various areas, including regulatory frameworks, capacity building, business development, marketing and networking, and research and development initiatives.
"We are currently assisting the South Manokwari Regency Government in drafting a local regulation aimed at protecting and enhancing Ransiki Cocoa production, ensuring a stable supply and pricing in the future," Prof. Heatubun stated.
Further, Prof. Heatubun highlighted that the Regional Research and Innovation Agency is developing a comprehensive and integrated plan for cocoa development. This includes establishing a Science Techno Park, envisioned as a hub for cocoa development, from bean to bar, and positioning Ransiki as a Cocoa Center of Excellence.
Concluding the meeting, Rochim extended his enthusiasm and gratitude for the support provided by ARISE+ Indonesia in the GI registration process for Ransiki Cocoa. "We are extremely happy and thankful to ARISE+ Indonesia. We hope that the GI certificate will elevate Ransiki Cocoa's recognition both in Indonesia and internationally, ultimately enhancing the welfare of the cocoa farming community in West Papua," Rochim said enthusiastically.
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