Betara areca nut is one of the leading commodities. Apart from being consumed for ‘menginag’ by communities, dried betel nut seeds can also be used as industrial and pharmaceutical raw materials, such as for cosmetic mixtures, candy mixtures, as well as natural dyes for cloth and cotton, as well as mixtures for making medicines. Areca nut also has export value. Indonesia sent areca nut to Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Iran, India and Nepal.
EcoNusa Foundation seeks to encourage community economic independence by distributing areca nut seeds to the people of Mosso Village, Jayapura for cultivation. Betara areca nut seeds are also planted in Arso 4 Village in Keerom Regency.
Text: Nur Alfiyah | Photos: Roberto Yekwam
