Jakarta, Nov. 2 -- The Ministry of Industry is maximizing the use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand export market access and sharpen the global competitiveness of Indonesia's processed cocoa industry.

Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji said in an official statement here on Monday that the cocoa processing sector plays a pivotal role in solidifying the national industrial structure while adding domestic value to agricultural commodities.

According to Sarmuji, reinforcing the sector generates a broad multiplier effect by accelerating export growth, creating jobs, and delivering higher economic returns to local cocoa farmers.

Data from the ministry's National Industrial Information System (SIINas) indicates steady growth across th...