Hosted by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
SAGO BUSINESS FORUM 2026
Indonesia–Japan Sago Business & Networking Forum
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 9:00–13:00
Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
To Japanese companies:
We are pleased to announce the “SAGO BUSINESS FORUM 2026,” an opportunity to connect Indonesian sago starch producers and related businesses with Japanese companies, and to explore directly the possibilities of stable sago starch procurement, investment, and business partnerships.
As starch raw material prices rise worldwide, securing more stable sources of raw materials is becoming increasingly important. Meanwhile, approximately 85% of the world’s sago-growing areas are located in Indonesia, and most of this potential remains underutilized. This forum aims to bring these needs together and create new business opportunities between Japanese companies and Indonesia’s sago industry stakeholders.
The Current Situation Surrounding Sago
- The price of imported sago starch in Japan has roughly doubled over the two years since 2021, from approximately JPY 60,000 per ton to over JPY 110,000 per ton.
- Against the backdrop of cassava shortages in Thailand and Vietnam, among other factors, tapioca prices rose by approximately 18% between January and May 2026.
- Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate for fiscal 2025 was 37.11%, the lowest on record.
- Japan is the world’s largest importer of sago starch, with imports exceeding 18,000 tons in 2023. Approximately 90% of Japan’s imports are sourced via Malaysia, which both produces sago palm and imports sago starch. Meanwhile, as noted above, approximately 85% of the world’s sago resources are found in Indonesia, yet only about 4% of the total sago area is currently used for industrial purposes.
Features and Potential of Sago
A natural gluten-free ingredient
Sago starch has a protein content of only about 0.1–0.3% and does not contain gliadin, a substance that can cause allergic reactions. In Japan, it is already used in allergy-friendly foods, swallowing-aid foods for the elderly, hospital meals, gluten-free menus on airlines, and more.
A gentler rise in blood sugar after meals
Sago starch has relatively large granules and is digested and absorbed slowly, so blood sugar tends to rise more gradually after consumption. Some research also suggests that it has a relatively small effect on the liver’s circadian clock, and it is expected to be useful for evening meals, when sharp spikes in blood sugar are best avoided.
Suitability for frozen foods
Studies suggest that sago starch gels show less change in hardness and whiteness, less increase in water release (syneresis), and slower retrogradation through repeated freezing and thawing than gels made from potato, sweet potato, or corn starch. These properties make sago starch a promising ingredient for frozen foods.
Potential for growing demand in an aging society
In Japan, the population aged 65 and over has reached 36.24 million (29.6%), and this share is projected to rise to 34.8% by 2040. Sago is also expected to find use in foods for the elderly, swallowing-related foods, and similar products.
Program on the Day (Tentative)
1. Opening Session
Opening remarks are planned by the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and other officials.
A cooperation agreement (PKS) will be signed between Indonesian industry and local governments.
2. Industrial Forum: Sago Industry Outlook and Indonesia–Japan Collaboration
Government officials, researchers, and companies from Indonesia and Japan will take the stage to present the current state and future outlook of the sago industry, and the potential for collaboration between the two countries.
- Prof. Hiroshi Ehara (Nagoya University)
Prof. Ehara has been engaged in sago research since 1984 and is the editor of the international reference book Sago Palm (Springer, 2018). He is scheduled to speak on the outlook for sago research and industry. - Indonesian Government Officials
They are scheduled to present policies for the development of the sago industry in Indonesia and the direction of future industrial expansion. - Regional Investment Projects and Business Opportunities
Local governments and stakeholders from East Seram (SBT), Lingga, Meranti, Mentawai, and other regions will present each region’s sago resources, the current state of its industry, and its investment and business opportunities. - Business Presentations by Japanese and Indonesian Companies
From the Japanese side, perspectives on the sago market and industry will be presented, and Indonesian sago-related companies will introduce their businesses and investment and partnership opportunities.
3. Exhibition and Business Networking
We will provide a networking opportunity for direct exchange with Indonesian sago producers and businesses. Native Japanese-speaking interpreters will be on hand on the day, so Japanese companies can participate with confidence.
In addition to exhibits of sago-related products, the venue will offer a sago-themed lunch, where you can network and exchange views in a relaxed setting.
Business Opportunities to Explore at This Forum
For Buyers and Procurement Companies
You can explore the possibility of sourcing sago starch, sago flour, and related products directly from producers in Indonesia.
For Those Considering Investment and Business Development
In addition to sago starch production and sago plantation development, you can explore a wide range of business opportunities, from higher value-added sago-derived products (modified starch, gluten-free foods, foods for the elderly and for hospitals, etc.) to non-food sectors such as bioethanol, adhesives for paper manufacturing, and animal feed.
Japan has led sago research worldwide for more than 30 years.
We hope this forum will be a first step in connecting the research results accumulated to date with real business, and in creating new collaborations between Indonesian sago producers and related businesses and Japanese companies.
We sincerely look forward to your participation.
Date and Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 9:00–13:00
(Lunch will be provided, so you can network and exchange information freely over a meal.)
Venue: Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 52-53, Jakarta Selatan 12950
Registration: https://bit.ly/SBFIndonesiaJapan
* If you have difficulty accessing the link, please contact Ms. Ehara at the email address below.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
Contact: Saki Ehara
Email: ehara@jac.co.id
Data sources: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (2026); Statistics Bureau of Japan (September 2026); ALIC / Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (2024); Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia (2024); Thai Tapioca Starch Association (2026)