Fakfak Group Boosts Self-Sourced Eucalyptus Oil Production

RRI.CO.ID, Fakfak – The Karya Mandiri Group in Bumi Moroh Indah Village, Bomberai Subdistrict, Fakfak Regency, West Papua, continues to advance the production of local eucalyptus oil. Group Chairperson, Albayan Iha, explained that all raw materials are sourced directly from their own plantations.

Albayan explained that the eucalyptus leaves are cultivated independently across 20 hectares of land distributed throughout the Bomberai Subdistrict. Additionally, half a hectare of land surrounding the production facility has been dedicated to planting eucalyptus trees.

According to Albayan, plantation management is conducted in stages to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials. This strategic approach is vital to guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of local eucalyptus oil production.

For a single production cycle, the group prepares between 50 and 70 kilograms of eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are carefully selected from trees that have reached harvest age.

Once harvested, the leaves are not immediately distilled. Instead, they are air-dried indoors for two days.

"This drying process is intended to reduce the moisture content within the leaves. Consequently, this enhances the quality of the oil produced," he explained.

Albayan emphasized that the quality of raw materials is the primary factor determining the final grade of the eucalyptus oil. Therefore, the selection process remains highly selective.

He expressed hope that this self-sufficient management of raw materials can serve as a model for the development of other local products. According to him, raw material independence is the fundamental key to business sustainability. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)