RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, stated that Indonesia holds enormous potential for developing a natural-based flavor, fragrance, and wellness industry, supported by its rich biodiversity and abundant essential oil commodities. He made the statement in an official release in Jakarta on Monday, May 11, 2026.

“The development of the Bali Flavor and Fragrance Center (PFF Bali) is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the downstream processing of Indonesia’s essential oils so they are not merely exported as raw materials, but processed into high-value products such as perfumes, aromatherapy, spa products, cosmetics, and natural-based household products,” Agus said.

According to the him, Bali offers significant market opportunities for the downstream essential oil industry due to its thriving tourism sector and rapidly growing spa and wellness industries. The rising trend of healthy lifestyles and wellness tourism has also increased demand for aromatherapy products, spa oils, perfumes, aromatherapy candles, and natural body care products.

Previously, officials from the Directorate General of Agro Industry, accompanied by members of the media, conducted a working visit to Bali to observe the development of PFF Bali and explore opportunities for downstream essential oil industries developed in collaboration with local businesses, including PT Spa Factory Bali.

Acting Director General of Agro Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, explained that the development of PFF Bali is aimed at strengthening the national flavor and fragrance ecosystem through human resource development, product innovation, and stronger industrial networks.

“PFF Bali is not only a training center, but is also expected to become a catalyst for the development of Indonesia’s essential oil-based flavor and fragrance industry. Through this facility, we are encouraging the creation of innovative products that can compete in both domestic and global markets,” Putu said.

Since its establishment, PFF Bali has conducted various capacity-building programs and essential oil-based training activities. One of its strategic initiatives was a certified spa oil blending training program for 40 Indonesian migrant workers, organized in collaboration with the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), as part of efforts to strengthen workforce competencies in the international spa and wellness sector, including job placements in the Maldives.

PFF Bali has also organized non-certified aromatherapy blending workshops for internal staff of BDI Denpasar and the public, a “Create Your Scent” mini class with Spa Factory Bali, and the development of an essential oil-based perfume formulation curriculum to support human resource development in Indonesia’s flavor and fragrance industry.

In 2026, the development of PFF Bali continues to be strengthened through various practice-based training programs that support downstream essential oil industries and the community creative economy. A used cooking oil processing workshop to create soap products, organized by BDI Denpasar and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Udayana University, was held on March 13, 2026, with 22 participants.

Next, PFF Bali is scheduled to hold a Perfume Formulation Training program on May 29, 2026, as part of competency development in the essential oil-based fragrance industry. Additionally, Soap and Aromatherapy Candle Making Training will be conducted on June 29, 2026, to develop natural-based wellness products. On August 7, 2026, PFF Bali also plans to organize Aromatherapy Incense Making Training to support diversification of high-value downstream essential oil products.

He added that the development of the national flavor and fragrance industry requires strong synergy between the government, academics, associations, and businesses to create a sustainable industrial value chain.

“Indonesia has tremendous potential to become one of the world’s centers for natural-based flavor, fragrance, and wellness products. Therefore, strengthening downstream processing and accelerating industrial human resource development must continue,” he said.

The presence of PFF Bali is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s national wellness and spa ecosystem while increasing the added value of Indonesian essential oil commodities through innovative and competitive products.