THE VP & KEMENYAN
- Benzoin Needs Forests -
Today, I am going to talk about benzoin, also known as ‘kemenyan’.
Some of you might have seen this video: “I once discussed the issue of downstream processing of benzoin; many people laughed, saying, ‘Benzoin is for shamans. Neneneneh… Wrong. Benzoin is as valuable as nickel. However, we have always sold it in its raw form. The women who wear perfumes like LV and Gucci are made from benzoin. We continue to sell it raw. That’s why we encourage young people to research, offering them other good places for research...”
First, in this video, I won’t focus on the price comparison between benzoin and nickel, because comparing the price of a finite resource like nickel to a renewable forest product like benzoin isn’t straightforward. Any good economist knows that to make an accurate comparison, we need to account for community equity and natural capital in the calculation. Secondly, done responsibly, I support the development of the downstream industry for benzoin.
However, first, consider the whole picture.
Benzoin, a resin obtained from various species of Styrax trees, is one of the Non-Timber Forest Products that have been collected for centuries using traditional knowledge and techniques. Cinnamic acid, contained in the sap produced by Styrax benzoin, is an important compound that is used for various purposes, such as preservatives, fragrances, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Benzoin is called kemenyan in Indonesian and haminjon in Batak.
This is very important: Styrax trees can be found in the undergrowth of primary forests and secondary forests. Native to tropical regions in Eastern and Southeast Asia, the trees grow along streams and require consistent moisture; they thrive as understory plants in the shade of larger trees. In Sumatra, Styrax trees are often found within the local community’s customary forests. Traditional benzoin forest management involves only low-intensity disturbances, maintaining an ecological structure that enables the effective accumulation of forest species. The source of seedlings and good quality of seeds mostly comes from natural forests.
In summary, the sustainable production of benzoin needs a sustainable forest.
My question is, to develop a sustainable downstream industry for benzoin or kemenyan, will Mr Vice President end the destruction of natural forests? Will Mr Vice President guarantee the protection of local communities’ customary forests, and support the community in building a sustainable benzoin industry based on equity and fair treatment?
The fact is that to date, less than 8% of customary forests in Indonesia are recognised by the government. Many are threatened and destroyed for monoculture palm oil, pulpwood plantations and others.
I am unsure whether @LouisVuitton or @gucci will accept products from sources associated with deforestation or community rights violations.
Will Mr Vice President walk the walk?