It all began some 200 years ago where the Dutch introduced
the tea trade to Indonesia through the Netherlands East India
Company. Indonesia was a dominant force in the supply of black
tea until the World War II. The tea trade in Indonesia, however,
saw a major setback during the World War II with most of their
factories being destroyed. The wrecked factories and tea bushes
that had reverted to trees were some of the major problems
faced by the Indonesia during the post War era.
Economic Significance
of Indonesian Tea Industry
Despite these impediments today Indonesia have emerged to be
one of the world's top five tea producing nations and thus contribute
6% of the world tea production. Indonesia is also the fifth
largest exporter of tea with a market share of 8%.
Tea in Indonesia is grown throughout the year on the islands
of Java and Sumatra with 70% of production coming from Java
Sea. Smallholders, account for approximately 20% of tea production
with bulk of these forming green tea, which is consumed by the
local market. Indonesian teas, which have captured a huge market
for blending, are light and aromatic with bright colouring liquors.
General Information
Location
Southeastern
Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific
Ocean
Total Area
1,919,440 sq
km
Population
228,000,000
Currency
Indonesian
rupiah (IDR)
Capital
Jakarta
Languages
Bahasa Indonesia
(official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local
dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese
228,000,000