RRI.CO.ID, Batang, — The Batang Regency Administration in Central Java is aggressively positioning its agricultural sector on the global stage by pitching premium potatoes and sweet potatoes to international exporters.

This strategic move aims to capitalize on rising production rates and the increasing global demand for high-quality root crops, signaling a shift from local distribution to a robust export-oriented economy.

The initiative is backed by a notable 8.5 percent surge in food commodity production, providing the necessary surplus to satisfy both domestic needs and international market requirements. By leveraging this momentum, local authorities expressed their hope to establish a resilient market network that connects rural farmers directly with global consumers.

During a press briefing in Batang on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Head of the Batang Regency Food and Agriculture Agency, Sutadi Ronodipuro, emphasized the government's commitment to integrating local farmers into the global supply chain. He noted that the goal is not just to facilitate trade through intermediaries but to empower farmers to navigate the export process themselves.

"We are striving to increase the competitiveness of farmers by offering and introducing these two commodities to exporters. We hope that Batang farmers can already export independently this year," said Sutadi, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond volume, the administration is focusing on the inherent quality of Batang’s produce, which has already garnered significant interest in regional markets. To ensure these commodities meet strict international standards, the local administration has entered into strategic dialogues with academic experts from Diponegoro University in Semarang and various "offtakers" who act as dedicated buyers and distributors.

Sutadi further explained that the synergy between academia and industry is crucial for validating the export potential of the region's food products. These discussions have confirmed that the local commodities are well-suited for foreign markets, provided they receive the right logistical and institutional support.

"We have discussed this with Diponegoro University as academics. In terms of potential, the region's food commodities are quite feasible to be brought into the export realm, certainly with the support of offtakers and other related parties," he added.

As the program moves forward, the Batang Regency Administration plans to continue its outreach to international exporters while refining the production quality at the farm level. This dual approach is expected to transform Batang into a key agricultural hub for Central Java, ensuring that the benefits of increased production are translated into higher income for local farming communities. ***