A trip into the Salt Industry in Cirebon

With the desire to foster a stronger connections and gain a deeper understanding of one of our clients, our Business development team along with the Product team recently embarked on a visit to Cirebon, where we met with one of our most esteemed clients, Pak Samani—a seasoned salt trader whose business is a great example of where us as Pasar Mirko can add value and bring real help.

The Cirebon region, renowned for its vibrant markets and cultural heritage, is a hub for salt trading. As our team entered Samani’s salt trading establishment, we were greeted by his team which gave us a complete tour of the facility.

Salt, a fundamental commodity, holds historical significance in Indonesia’s economic and cultural landscape. Pak Samani, passionate about his trade, shared the fascinating journey of salt from the saline fields to the market stalls. Indonesia’s salt industry is diverse, with both traditional and modern methods coexisting to meet the demands of a dynamic market.

Pak Samani provided a detailed account of the salt processing techniques employed in his warehouse allowing us also to see ourselves the process and the material. Traditional salt farming involves harnessing the power of the sun and wind, relying on evaporation to extract salt from seawater. This method, while labor-intensive, results in salt that is celebrated for its purity and flavor. The meticulous process ensures that each crystal tells a story of the hard work and dedication of the local salt farmers.

In addition to traditional methods, we were highlighted by the integration of modern techniques in the salt processing industry. Evaporation ponds and mechanized harvesting have streamlined production, allowing for a more efficient supply chain while preserving the essence of the age-old salt trading tradition.