Indonesia Conference Directory

Cocoa is one of important crops in Indonesia, whereas more than 90% of its plantation is operated by smallholder farmers. Cocoa beans, as the only sellable part of cocoa fruit, constitutes of less than 10% of the total weight of whole cocoa fruit. The remaining husk and pulp are usually discarded, and in certain case become source of pest and disease infestations. This has made a low economic value of cocoa agribusiness. A new approach in cocoa agroindustry is needed to increase the added value of cocoa; this is achieved by utilization of whole parts of cocoa fruit including cocoa husk, pulp, bean, cake and butter. Cocoa fruits from local farmers in Jember and Banyuwangi region were collected. The husks were separated and wet beans were processed into horizontal spinner to extract their pulp. Cocoa husks were chopped and processed into cattle feed. The pulp was stabilized and used as juice drink. Wet beans were straightly dried, heated and cleaned from shells to obtain nibs. Nibs were ground and pressed to separate cocoa butter which was supplied to chocolate candy and cosmetic industries. Remaining solids were soaked in ethanol for overnight to produce polyphenol-rich extract, for further use as antimicrobial agent. Feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the implementation of this production system in farmer level. A cluster of cocoa industry that involves farmer, cocoa processor and food industries should be established.