What if a city known for its free trade dynamism could once again emerge as a global node for one of the world’s oldest and most valuable spices?
From 27 to 30 July 2025, the International Pepper Community (IPC), led by Executive Director Ms. Marina N. Anggraini and her team, undertook a meaningful mission to Batam, a city once famously known as “Negeri Segantang Lada” or The Land of a Basket of Pepper. With deep historical roots in the global spice trade, Batam now holds renewed promise as a strategic gateway to the future of pepper.
During this insightful visit, IPC engaged in a series of forward-looking discussions with key leaders from the Free Trade Zone and Free Port Authority of Batam (BP Batam), including the Deputy for Public Service, the Directorate for Investment and Enterprise and the Directorate of Airport, Seaport and Traffic Goods Management. We were also graciously received by the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag), representing the Batam City Government.
Conversations centered on a shared vision: to bridge Batam’s spice legacy with modern strategies, especially in innovation, downstream processing, product traceability, and global branding of value-added pepper products.
The mission concluded with an inspiring visit to the Batam Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Batam/ITEBA), where IPC explored opportunities for collaboration with the academic sector, ranging from research and technology to youth involvement, creative product design, and industry-academia synergy for a more resilient pepper ecosystem
This journey affirmed a timeless truth: while the spice routes of the past may be mapped, the future of pepper is still being charted, through cooperation, creativity, and shared purpose.
Sincere thanks to BP Batam’s leadership, Disperindag Batam, and ITEBA for the warm welcome and enriching exchange. We’re excited to nurture this shared momentum forward.
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