An Indonesian cocoa farmer. (Institut Français Indonesia)
Indonesia and France have commenced the second phase of the IndoKAKAO project, a bilateral commitment to bolster innovation for a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cocoa sector in Indonesia. This initiative is jointly coordinated by the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Indonesian National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS).
On June 17, the project’s Steering Committee held its second meeting to assess the implementation of the first phase and deliberate on a strategic roadmap to maximise the project’s impact on the Indonesian cocoa industry.
The second Steering Committee meeting for IndoKAKAO’s second phase implementation. (Institut Français Indonesia)
Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) explained in a press release that the IndoKAKAO’s second-phase master plan will be executed within the France-Indonesia Year of Innovation 2026 framework. The latter manifests the aspirations of the Joint French-Indonesian Strategy on Education, Research and Mobility, a shared commitment adopted during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on May 28.
IFI further reported that the first stage has generated substantial outcomes, with Indonesian and French experts delivering 15 technical missions and establishing two pilot fermentation facilities in Pendolo, Central Sulawesi, and Jember, East Java, to improve cocoa quality. Key initiatives included launching the Bahasa Indonesia ShadeTreeAdvice tool and supporting local models like Bali’s Kerta Semaya Samaniya cooperative to enhance post-harvest practices.
Indonesian cocoa farmers. (Institut Français Indonesia)
These measurable successes were praised by the Steering Committee, whilst recommending that phase two must drive systemic sector transformation by scaling up successful local initiatives. Therefore, for the next stage, the project’s focus will shift from tracking outputs to institutionalising outcomes.
This, IFI noted, will be achieved by translating field evidence and pilot models (such as agroforestry practices and fermentation trials) into actionable policy briefs, national technical standards and training materials integrated directly into Indonesia’s national cocoa revitalisation strategies.
What does this mean for business?
IndoKAKAO underpins the shared ambition of Indonesia and France to cultivate a more sustainable and resilient agricultural supply chain, particularly within the cocoa sector. By translating research into practical marketplace solutions, the second phase will establish standardised national benchmarks for fermented cocoa, allowing commercial buyers to secure steady supply arrangements.
Furthermore, as global regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) demand stringent proof of sustainable sourcing, the national institutionalisation of agroforestry tools (such as ShadeTreeAdvice) directly aids compliant enterprises. This ensures Indonesian cocoa meets rigorous international environmental criteria, successfully safeguarding critical export pathways.
Kala Advisory helps investors move on openings like these as Southeast Asia builds compliant, sustainable agricultural supply chains. Visit kala-advisory.com.
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