France and Indonesia Expand Cocoa Science Cooperation Phase Two

RRI.CO.ID. Jakarta: France and Indonesia have started the second phase of the IndoKAKAO project. Both countries want to work together on science, innovation, and farming that is good for the environment. On 17 June 2026, they held a meeting to review what was done in phase one and plan the next steps to help Indonesia’s cocoa industry.

The project is supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy in Indonesia. It is run by CIRAD, a French research group, together with Indonesia’s BAPPENAS and other partners. The goal of IndoKAKAO is to make cocoa farming more sustainable, competitive, and fair for everyone.

This second phase is part of the France–Indonesia Year of Innovation 2026. It follows the agreement made by President Emmanuel Macron and President Prabowo Subianto in Paris on 28 May. Both countries will share research and knowledge to solve problems like food security, climate change, old cocoa farms, and low production.

Phase two will turn research into practical solutions for cocoa farmers. The project will improve how cocoa beans are fermented, increase cocoa quality, and promote agroforestry. It will also train local farmers and help create a plan for sustainable cocoa farming in Central Sulawesi.

Phase one already had strong results. French and Indonesian experts completed 15 technical visits and gave training on cocoa quality, fermentation, and agroforestry. Two fermentation centers were built in Pendolo, Central Sulawesi, and Jember, East Java. The team also made an Indonesian version of the ShadeTree Advice tool and learned from successful groups like the Kerta Semaya Samaniya cooperative in Bali.

The Steering Committee said the project progressed effectively from ideas to action. For phase two, the focus is to take local successes and apply them across the whole cocoa sector. Field results and pilot projects will be turned into policy advice, national standards, and training materials for Indonesia’s cocoa programs.

IndoKAKAO helps Indonesia build a better cocoa industry through science, training, and teamwork. It works on research, better post-harvest methods, agroforestry, and value chains to support farmers. The project is funded by France under the Fonds Équipe France framework and supports the France–Indonesia Year of Innovation 2026.

Source: Charge de Presse et Partenariats, IFI, Ambassade de France