by Dames Alexander Sinaga
HUMBANG HASUNDUTAN, Indonesia, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- In the forested highlands of Indonesia's North Sumatra province, communities in Humbang Hasundutan regency have long depended on frankincense trees, locally known as kemenyan, for both livelihood and cultural identity.
For generations, farmers in the Batak region have tapped Styrax benzoin trees to harvest aromatic resin used in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine. The trees require eight to 10 years to mature before tapping can begin, and farmers must carefully space incisions to ensure the trees can recover and continue producing resin.
"These trees grow slowly, so we have to be patient," said Saut Banjarnahor, a second-generation frankincense farmer from Dolok Sanggul village. "If the tree is damaged, it will not produce resin."
Frankincense farming typically starts before sunrise, with farmers trekking into forest plots passed down through family lines. Unlike commercial plantations, these forests are semi-wild and managed through traditional practices developed over generations.
Beyond its economic value, frankincense holds deep cultural significance for the Batak people, who use the resin in religious ceremonies and ancestral rituals. "We don't just harvest it," said Maria Sitindaon, who learned the practice from her grandmother. "It is something we respect."
Despite its importance, the sector faces growing challenges. Farmers must contend with fluctuating prices shaped by global markets, difficult terrain, and changing weather patterns that have affected resin yields. At the same time, many younger residents have migrated to cities in search of less physically demanding jobs.
In response, local communities have formed cooperatives to improve farmers' bargaining power, while environmental groups promote sustainable tapping methods to protect forest ecosystems. Some young professionals have also returned to the region to support conservation and community-based initiatives.
At the national level, the Indonesian government is promoting downstream processing of frankincense as part of a broader strategy to enhance the value of natural resources. The Ministry of Industry has identified frankincense-based essential oils as a potential growth area for small and medium-sized enterprises.
"The downstreaming of frankincense can increase added value and strengthen the competitiveness of local industries," said Reni Yanita, director general of small, medium and multifarious industries at the ministry.
Trade data show that Indonesia exported natural gums, resins, and oleoresins, including frankincense, worth 55.5 million U.S. dollars in 2024. Exports of downstream products such as essential oils reached 42.3 million dollars with a significantly smaller volume, reflecting a higher value per ton.
Frankincense is now widely used in perfumes, aromatherapy products, cosmetics, air fresheners, and natural insecticides. Industry officials note that it is also prized as a natural fixative that helps extend fragrance longevity.
The government has begun coordinating with local administrations in Humbang Hasundutan and neighboring North Tapanuli to map producers and strengthen processing capacity. In 2025, North Tapanuli frankincense received Geographical Indication certification from the Ministry of Law, providing legal protection and greater market recognition.
For local farmers, the forest remains central to daily life. "This work has been passed down to us," Banjarnahor said. "It is our responsibility to take care of it."
As Indonesia advances efforts to promote value-added industries, frankincense farmers in North Sumatra are striving to preserve their traditional practices while adapting to evolving economic conditions. ■