Pacitan, East Jawa (ANTARA) – Indonesia on Thursday launched the export of 11.5 metric tons of organic palm sugar from Pacitan, East Java, to Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Australia, marking a breakthrough for village-based products entering global markets.The shipment, valued at Rp535 million (US$34,300), was dispatched from Temon Village under Astra’s Desa Sejahtera (Prosperous Village) development program, strengthening the international presence of one of Indonesia’s leading rural commodities.“This is not just palm sugar; it represents Pacitan, East Java, and Indonesia,” Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto said after inspecting a six-ton truck bound for Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya.Yandri urged producers to maintain consistent quality, secure adequate volumes, and ensure long-term supply by strengthening cultivation practices and implementing systematic palm tree regeneration.Pacitan District Head Indrata Nur Bayuaji said the export is expected to open broader access to global markets for other local products, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and stronger rural human resources.Astra stated that the shipment reflects close cooperation among communities, government, and business entities through its Desa Sejahtera Astra program, which has supported 1,280 villages in 35 provinces since 2018.Of those villages, 548 have entered export markets, generating a cumulative export value of Rp411 billion over the past five years, the company said.In Pacitan, around 400 villagers from five communities have received training through Temon Agro Lestari, covering organic pre-certification, internal control systems, food safety audits, and the development of clean production facilities.The program has increased household incomes by up to 50 percent and achieved full product absorption, creating a sustainable, export-ready ecosystem for organic palm sugar, Astra added.Temon has now been designated a model organic export village, expected to drive inclusive and sustainable rural economic growth in Pacitan.