Indonesia and France Support Inclusive and Sustainable Cocoa Development through the INDOCACAO Project

The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, the Embassy of France in Indonesia, and CIRAD announced the launch of the INDOCACAO project in Jakarta on Thursday, 18 September. Funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (Equipe France Fund) and PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (Persero), the project will strengthen small-scale producers in Indonesia’s cocoa sector with a focus on women and youth, as well as methods that generate greater added value during the 2025–2027 period. “The cocoa sector plays a strategic role in supporting downstream industrialisation, improving farmers’ welfare, and fostering sustainable economic growth as mandated in the 2025-2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) and the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). Achieving these goals requires the active involvement of all stakeholders, from ministries, academics, the private sector, development partners, to researchers. Through the INDOCACAO initiative, in the form of research, innovation development, and global collaboration, Indonesia is committed to building an inclusive, competitive cocoa value chain that delivers tangible benefits for society,” said Bappenas’ Deputy for Food, Natural Resources, and Environment Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo.

Along with Bappenas and the Embassy of France, and in collaboration with other Indonesian ministries, CIRAD ensures scientific and technical coordination, working with Indonesian partners such as the Agency for Agricultural Assembly and Modernisation (BRMP), the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (Puslitkoka), the Stiper Agricultural Institute (INSTIPER), as well as private stakeholders (the Bean to Bar Chocolate Association of Indonesia, JIKA Chocolates), and cooperatives.

“As a partnership project designed and implemented through close collaboration with Indonesian authorities, INDOCACAO aims to strengthen Indonesia’s agricultural sector by modernising the cocoa industry, which has significant export potential. The project is fully aligned with the agreement signed on 29 May 2025 at Merdeka Palace, witnessed directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Prabowo Subianto, and the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, during his state visit to Indonesia. Through this concrete programme with measurable impact, France and Indonesia are deepening their partnership in agriculture and agro-industry, in line with the directives set out by the Heads of State of both countries,” said the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone.

INDOCACAO is a structured and innovative project designed to strengthen Indonesia’s cocoa sector through three main objectives. First, the establishment of a technical centre for sustainable cocoa farming, with pilot initiatives in Java and Sulawesi. This centre will provide consultancy and technical training services to 480 sector managers and benefit nearly 20,000 farmers through PNM’s extension programmes; access to microloans via PNM enabling investment in inputs and equipment; and innovative education models (educational gardens, online training, mobile applications).

Second, enhancing Indonesia’s cocoa value chain by improving quality and export competitiveness through the dissemination of good post-harvest practices; certification; commercial partnerships with international chocolate producers; and professional training in organoleptic analysis to promote flavour. Third, strengthening ecological resilience and sustainability through the application of agroforestry practices and reforestation initiatives to protect biodiversity and soil, the development of more disease- and climate-resistant cocoa varieties, early warning systems for droughts and floods, and cocoa production under the principle of ‘zero imported deforestation’, in line with European standards.

The INDOCACAO project will focus on social inclusion, targeting primarily young people and women, with 50 per cent of direct beneficiaries being women who will receive training in leadership and cooperative management. Special support will also be provided to young small-scale farmers, the new drivers of agricultural innovation in Indonesia. Access to financing for youth will be facilitated through partnerships with PNM, where 99 per cent of clients are young people.

“INDOCACAO reflects the shared vision between France and Indonesia for a sustainable Indonesian agriculture. The research undertaken within INDOCACAO is designed to support smallholder farmers, preserve regional biodiversity, and contribute to the inclusive and sustainable development of Indonesia’s cocoa sector,” concluded CIRAD CEO Elisabeth Claverie de Saint Martin.