From the Archipelago to foreign markets: Java Fresh becomes driver of Indonesia’s fruit exports to 25 countries | Bahasa

Indonesia, 09 Apr 2026 - Made up of more than 17,000 islands straddling the equator and the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia enjoys a tropical climate and highly fertile volcanic soil that is perfect for growing a wide range of exotic fruits. According to BPS/Statistic Indonesia data, Indonesia’s fruit production amounted to 28.24 million tonnes in 2023, and, in March 2024, Indonesia ranked as the sixth-largest fruit producer in the world. However, many fruit farms are still not optimally managed, affecting consistency in quality in export markets.

It was against this backdrop that Java Fresh was established in 2014 with the aim of building a system that connects smallholder farmers to global markets while bringing economic activities closer to communities. The journey of Java Fresh’s establishment was driven by a simple realisation that Indonesia’s agricultural potential is vast yet lacks systems that enable farmers and their communities to grow optimally.

Co-Founder & CEO Java Fresh Margareta Astaman stated that over more than a decade of operations, Java Fresh could not have achieved this milestone alone. Throughout its journey, Java Fresh has actively collaborated with various stakeholders, from universities and research institutions to companies, including DBS Foundation and Bank DBS Indonesia. In 2025 alone, they exported 300,000 tonnes of fresh fruit.

Discover the story behind Java Fresh, the impact it has created, and the opportunities that lie ahead!

What is the story of Java Fresh’s journey to build a social impact business? What are the challenges they have faced?
Java Fresh does not only focus on the local market but has also begun realising its vision by building systems that connect smallholder farmers to global markets and bring economic activities closer to communities. However, realising this vision has not been easy.

Margareta revealed that over time, four key challenges in Indonesia’s agriculture industry have emerged that must be addressed to truly bring Indonesian fruits to the global stage, including:

1. Farm Size
Most farmers are micro-scale farmers with an average land size of less than 0.5 hectares, making it difficult to increase productivity and maintain supply consistency.

2.Reliability & Certification
The high international standards for quality, food safety, and traceability are not fully matched by farmers’ capacity to access and understand global certifications.

3.Technological Limitations
Lack of pre- and post-harvest technology limits fruit shelf life to around 14–18 days, causing reliance on more expensive and less competitive air freight for shipments.

4. Funding Constraints
Limited access to financing hampers investment in farm improvement, certification, and technology adoption that, according to an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) study, is one of the main barriers to Indonesia’s horticultural exports.

“Being in the local fruit business has made Java Fresh increasingly realise that Indonesian farmers’ products are highly competitive in the global market. Therefore, we implement strategic measures to optimise this potential, from applying grading and fruit handling standards, building traceability systems, to exploring technologies to extend shelf life. All these efforts aim not only to keep local fruits fresh and competitive but also to empower smallholder farmers and deliver sustainable positive impact to communities,” she added.

What has Java Fresh done to create opportunities for marginalised communities?
Java Fresh aims to open global market access for micro farmers, an opportunity that was previously difficult to gain. Many small-scale farmers have relied on advance selling practices or long distribution chains that limit the value of their harvests. Through a community-based approach, Java Fresh partners with smallholder farmers to manage farms more effectively, from tree maintenance and proper harvesting practices to sorting processes and international grading standards, enabling them to produce export-quality fruits. With broader market access, farmers are no longer fully dependent on traditional distribution channels, allowing them to earn more stable and higher-value income, strengthen economic resilience, and continue to grow their farming business in their hometowns without the need for urbanisation.

One of the most memorable moments is witnessing simple yet meaningful real impacts on farmers and workers. This is evident in the story of Bu Edah, who now earns a higher income and has successfully provided financial support for her child’s education through a master’s degree after previously struggling due to limited economic access. Farmers supported by Java Fresh have also been able to save money and build a better home for their family.

Margareta said that, “Java Fresh’s approach not only creates jobs but also builds skills and an ecosystem that enable women to thrive. Through training in sorting, grading, and handling in accordance with export standards, as well as health and education programmes, women who previously had limited access now gain income, skills, and higher financial literacy levels. Even something as simple as nutritious lunches become an important foundation for productivity and work consistency. The impact is felt not only by individuals but also by families and communities, showing that holistic empowerment breaks the cycle of limitations and creates long-term meaningful change for many lives.”

What role does DBS Foundation play in helping Java Fresh expand its social impact?
In 2025, Java Fresh was selected as one of five social enterprises to receive funding from DBS Foundation Grant Programme 2024, recognising their dedication to empowering micro farmers and local communities. The support from the DBS Foundation Grant opened up opportunities for the company to scale the business while strengthening its ability to deliver real solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges.

“Amid the increasingly complex social and economic challenges, the role of social enterprises like Java Fresh becomes even more important in delivering tangible and sustainable impacts. As a purpose-driven bank, Bank DBS Indonesia is committed to growing with communities and building a more inclusive ecosystem through its sustainability pillar, Impact Beyond Banking. We hope this support and collaboration will encourage Java Fresh and farmers to go further in bringing Indonesian fruits to global markets. We also hope to see more social impact businesses grow in Indonesia,” said Head of Group Marketing & Communications PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika.

Since it entered into a partnership with DBS Foundation, Java Fresh has continued to strengthen the national fruit industry while empowering local communities. This is evident in improvements in quality and production capacity, with the shelf life of mangosteen reaching up to 35 days at industrial scale and 45 days at laboratory scale and fresh fruit export volumes exceeding 300,000 kg.

With export reach expanded to 25 countries, Java Fresh operates in accordance with Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALG.A.P.) and GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practices (GRASP) certifications, ensuring compliance with global standards in food safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Margareta revealed that Java Fresh is also expanding its market through trial shipments of mangosteen using containers to China. She considers this a significant milestone for the national fruit industry, given China’s strict quality and food safety standards.

Support from DBS Foundation has also strengthened Java Fresh’s research and development (R&D) capacity, which is key to addressing climate and distribution disruptions. With longer shelf life, losses diminish, post-harvest waste decreases, and operational efficiency improves. As a result, supply chains become more resilient, market reach expands to 25 countries, and expansion into three new regions involves 400 assisted farmers and 90 female workers in rural areas. In total, Java Fresh has empowered 210 female workers across six packing houses.

To strengthen this impact, Java Fresh has also organised 12 training sessions for 106 participants. The programme included the launch of a nutrition programme for packing house workers, the strengthening of field management practices, and promoting more sustainable and high-quality agricultural production.

Margareta also encouraged and invited aspiring social entrepreneurs to build strong foundations from the start.

“The key thing to remember is not to focus solely on the impact you want to achieve but to ensure that the business model is strong and sustainable. From our experience building Java Fresh, long-lasting impact can only be created when the business itself is sustainable. Without it, any endeavour will not survive in the long term. At the same time, do not hesitate to embrace collaboration and partnerships. By working together, ideas can move faster, challenges can be solved collectively, and the positive impact generated can be far greater,” she said.

 

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About DBS Foundation
Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.

In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.

Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.

For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.

About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Operational Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 14 Sub-Branch Offices, 32 ATMs spread across major cities and 2.861 active employees in 15 major cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future. 

PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.