The bustling city of Jakarta came alive with excitement as the doors to IDMA Indonesia swung open, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey into the world of grain processing technologies. The exhibition gathered the leading manufacturers of milling machinery and equipment, creating a unique platform for exhibitors and visitors to discover cutting-edge technologies, form strategic alliances, and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within Indonesia and the broader regional market.
Amidst the backdrop of soaring demand for grain-based products in Southeast Asia, IDMA had set its sights on this dynamic region, teaming up with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) to bring forth a groundbreaking event. From October 4th to 6th, 2023, IDMA Indonesia promised to redefine the future of the grain processing industry.
The ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate this three-day extravaganza was gracefully cut by notable dignitaries, including Turkish Ambassador to Jakarta Prof. Dr. Talip Küçükcan; Rinna Syawal, Director of Food Consumption Diversification at the Indonesia National Food Agency; Sutarto Alimoeso, President of the Indonesian Rice Millers and Traders Association; Erhan Özmen, Honorary President of GUSAD; Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bayram, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TABADER; Edip H. Aktaş, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish-Dutch Friendship Association; and Muhammet Ali Kalkan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HAGE Group, the organizer of IDMA fairs.
In a world rocked by the intertwined challenges of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the importance of ensuring food security and sustainable production practices had never been clearer. Southeast Asian nations, heavily reliant on grain imports, faced the pressing need to bolster their food production capabilities. With a population that was steadily approaching 700 million, the region was expected to witness a 40% increase in food demand by 2050.
The FAO-OECD Agricultural Outlook had recently underscored the pivotal role of Asian countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, in driving the global surge in grain demand. This report forecasted a substantial increase in global grain usage over the next decade, with nearly half of the projected demand growth originating from Asia. As the demand for wheat and corn continued to rise, Southeast Asia's bakery products market was projected to soar to a staggering $15 billion within five years.
IDMA Indonesia seized this opportunity with both hands. The exhibition gathered the leading manufacturers of milling machinery and equipment, creating a unique platform for exhibitors and visitors to discover cutting-edge technologies, form strategic alliances, and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within Indonesia and the broader regional market. Flour, rice, and corn processing technology providers, as well as manufacturers of noodles, pasta, biscuits, and animal feed, all converged in Jakarta.
FOOD SAFETY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT IDMA INDONESIA
Addressing the attendees at the opening of the exhibition held at the Jakarta International Expo center, Rinna Syawal, Director of Food Consumption Diversification at the Indonesia National Food Agency, emphasized the paramount importance of food safety in Indonesia. She stressed the necessity of harnessing technological opportunities to ensure sustainable food security and highlighted the timeliness and significance of IDMA Indonesia as a showcase for novel grain processing technologies.
Erhan Özmen, Honorary President of the Southeastern Turkish Flour Industrialists Association (GUSAD), hailed IDMA as "one of the largest in the sector worldwide" and underscored its pivotal role in showcasing Turkish milling equipment manufacturers to the global stage. Stating that food is one of the most important issues for the rapidly growing world population, Özmen noted that an increasing number of people are switching to plant-based foods and more people are opting for a vegan diet. Drawing attention to the health and sustainability features of pulses, Erhan Özmen said, "Bread, croissants and donuts... Whatever you can think of made from flour, we will see more derivatives of pulses and fiber group in the coming period."
Turkish Ambassador to Jakarta Prof. Dr. Talip Küçükcan, who visited the participating companies in the fair, emphasized the importance of food safety and stated that such organizations contribute to building a safer future.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bayram, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TABADER, stressed the immense importance of such events for the transfer of technology and knowledge. He noted that the TABADER Grain, Pulses, and Feed Summit and International Certified Milling Training, organized concurrently with the fair, would further this noble purpose.
IDMA EXPANDS ITS REACH
HAGE Group Chairman Muhammet Ali Kalkan said that Indonesia, the central country of the Southeast Asia region, is the second IDMA overseas location after Russia. He highlighted their commitment to raising awareness about food safety through IDMA fairs, congresses, trainings, and magazines such as Miller, BBM, and Feed Planet. Kalkan stressed that IDMA fairs transcend mere trade; they also serve as platforms for promoting food safety, sustainability, and accessibility. He referred to IDMA as the sector's gateway to the world.