Java's herbal extracts win global acclaim

At the foot of Mount Lawu in central Java, Indonesian ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and java tea grow abundantly amid unpolluted surroundings. These are just a few of the plants that are at the heart of Java Plant's exclusive line of herbal extracts.

In contrast to the rustic source of its products, Java Plant has adopted advanced German technology and equipment to ensure the high quality of its herbal extracts, which have been developed for a variety of applications.

"Carrying out the most difficult extraction is very exciting and fulfilling. It puts our company in a unique position. We don't want our neighbors producing the exact same extract as us," explained CEO Junius Rahardjo.

"Physically, you cannot tell the difference between the extracts by looking at them but when you look at the analysis in the lab, you'll find a huge difference in quality," he added.

Based in Solo in Central Java, the company exports its products internationally, mostly to the United States and Malaysia.

"We enjoy a special relationship with Malaysia," said Rahardjo. "Malaysia acts as our intermediary to the Middle East - Libya, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Algeria - where our products are particularly well received."

This year, Java Plant plans a major launch of its products in Japan.

"Japan is geographically close to Indonesia and we have a lot of friends there. Once we prove we can make it in Japan, we can go anywhere in the world. We are coming to Japan in a big way in 2007," he said.

The company's success and strong growth have given rise to plans for a huge expansion.

"We are in the midst of developing a new line of production as well as a new laboratory, which will be ready in October. Once completed, it's going to be the biggest, most advanced laboratory in the region. By early 2008, Java Plant will have doubled its capacity," asserted Rahardjo.

www.javaplant.net

(China Daily 08/17/2007 page18)