Greater Galangal: The Top Biopharmaceutical Plant Produced in Bangka Belitung

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that the production of biopharmaceutical plants or medicinal plants in Bangka Belitung Islands Province reached 1,461.85 tons in 2020. This figure increased by approximately 11% compared to the previous year. Laos/galangal is the most produced type of biopharmaceutical plant in this province.

Galangal production reached 498.7 tons in 2020. Ginger production was the second largest biopharmaceutical plant production at 350.1 tons. This was followed by turmeric and kencur production at 346.3 tons and 255.8 tons, respectively.

Medicinal plant production in Bangka Belitung is dominated by Bangka Regency, which accounts for 61.7% of total production. The next largest contributor to medicinal plant production is Bangka Tengah Regency at 14.32%.

Bangka Regency is the largest producer of medicinal plants, similar to other plants. One reason is that Bangka Regency still has a larger land area compared to other regencies.

Biopharmaceutical plants are plants that are useful for medicines and cosmetics. The parts of these plants that are commonly consumed or used include leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, tubers (rhizomes), and roots.