APINDO and GAPKINDO Revive Optimism for South Kalimantan’s Rubber Industry
Friday, 24 October 2025
Banjarmasin – The once world-renowned rubber industry of South Kalimantan, whose golden era spanned from the 1940s to the 1980s, is now facing decline. However, efforts to restore its former glory are being reignited. The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) and the Rubber Association of Indonesia (GAPKINDO) have joined forces to rebuild optimism and restore the region’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality natural rubber.
During its peak, South Kalimantan was known globally for producing Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS) rubber — a product prized for its strength and elasticity, even used in aircraft tires.
“At that time, our rubber was the best in the world. The smoking process produced a distinctive color and exceptional durability,” said H. Hasan Yuniar, Executive Secretary of GAPKINDO South, Central, and East Kalimantan Branch, during the Palidangan Noorhalis dialogue at RRI Pro 1 Banjarmasin on Thursday (October 23, 2025).
Hasan explained that the introduction of Standard Indonesian Rubber (SIR) and the establishment of GAPKINDO as a platform for rubber producers and traders marked a turning point. However, the closure of rubber auction markets in Amuntai and Barabai significantly weakened industry enthusiasm.
He attributed the decline in rubber prices to unpredictable weather, limited farmer skills, and dishonest practices such as mixing rubber with soil or stones.
“If we want to regain our glory, the government must guide and empower farmers. Around 95 percent of rubber farmers live in rural areas,” Hasan emphasized.
He suggested that empowerment programs could be driven through village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) or Koperasi Merah Putih, enabling farmers to produce globally competitive, high-quality rubber.
Meanwhile, Winardi Sethiono, Chairperson of APINDO South Kalimantan, criticized the government’s lack of attention to the sector, which has allowed Indonesia to fall behind its competitors.
“Thailand has taken our place as a leading producer. Yet, natural rubber from Indonesia still supplies 59 countries and has not been replaced by synthetic alternatives,” he said.
Winardi urged the government to prioritize farmer empowerment and industrial revitalization, asserting that APINDO will continue to advocate for the revival of the region’s rubber sector.
“APINDO is pushing the government to restore the rubber industry so that South Kalimantan can once again stand proud,” he concluded.
Source: rri.co.id
