Technical Assistance II
Soetanto Abdoellah presented Indonesian GIs at the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting
In today's interconnected world, the significance of global networking for Indonesian Geographical Indications (GI) cannot be overstated. One of the foremost insights from the oriGIn 2023 Biennial Meeting was the emphasis on the importance of forging international connections. These networks offer unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, market expansion, and exchange of invaluable knowledge and practices, underscoring the interconnectedness of the GI community.
Soetanto Abdoellah, representing the Association of Indonesian Geographical Indication (AIGI), shared key insights from the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting held in Geneva from 5-7 October. His attendance, supported by ARISE+ Indonesia, marked Indonesia's inaugural participation in the event, following its membership commencement in September 2023.
The Indonesian delegation was led by Giovanni Galanti, ARISE+ Indonesia's Key Expert Coordinating Priority Area 4 on Intellectual Property Rights and Geographical Indication. He recognised the significant opportunities provided by oriGIn for networking and fostering connections that are beneficial to Indonesian Geographical Indications (GIs).
Giovanni Galanti presented ARISE+ Indonesia's support to Indonesian GIs at the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting
In a session at the oriGIn General Assembly on 5 October 2023, Mr Soetanto showcased the advancements of Indonesia's Geographical Indications (GIs). He specifically spotlighted seven notable GIs that have been supported by ARISE+ Indonesia and have recently joined oriGIn. This included Gayo Arabica Coffee and Bali Amed Salt, which are already registered in the European Union, as well as Berau Cocoa, Muntok White Pepper, Kulonprogo Coconut Sugar, Flores Manggarai Arabica Coffee and Flores Bajawa Arabica Coffee, all of which are in the midst of the EU registration process.
The 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting brought together 200 participants from 40 countries, including representatives from GI groups, public authorities, international organizations, negotiators, law firms, control bodies, private companies, and academia. During the three-day forum, several key topics were discussed, including emerging legal issues in GIs, and the use of technology in GI protection, such as blockchain and digital authentication tools. A primary focus was the importance of GI contribution to environmental sustainability and EU Grean Deal approach, highlighted by discussions on forming alliances for sustainable practices in several GI value chains. The event concluded with practical GI Visits to Gruyères (Gruyère cheese) and Bienne (Swiss Watch), providing participants with hands-on insights into GI applications.
Mr Soetanto found his participation in the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting, representing Indonesia, to be an enlightening experience. Mr Soetanto observed that GI products abroad, particularly in European countries, are highly advanced, strongly emphasising the uniqueness of GI products and logos in their marketing strategies.
"Their GI management is very professional and well-organised. They consistently link their GI certification to their business, ensuring that GI members reap maximum advantages," said Mr Soetanto.
Drawing from his experience, Mr Soetanto recommended that his colleagues, the Indonesian GI certificate holders take significant steps to manage their GIs effectively. He suggested appointing dedicated and committed MPIG administrators who focus on GI advancement, implementing an internal control system to maintain product quality as per the specifications in the Description Document, ensuring product traceability, and fostering close cooperation throughout the product supply chain.
"Additionally, it's crucial to promote the establishment of an accredited national GI external audit institution. This would enable periodic audits of all MPIGs (GI associations), eliminating the need to seek such services abroad," Mr Soetanto added.
Furthermore, Mr Soetanto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by the ARISE+ Indonesia to build a network with several prestigious organisations during his time in Geneva. These included the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Union Intellectual Property Organization (EUIPO), the Intellectual Property Institute (IPI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD).
Responding to Mr Soetanto's statement, Mr Galanti strongly advised the AIGI and local GI associations to fully utilise their membership in oriGIn, particularly to expand their international network. "This network not only opens up new markets but also acts as a platform for sharing global best practices in GI management and promotion. It offers insights crucial for adapting to the dynamic GI landscape and ensuring the continued growth and success of GI products in the global market," Mr Galanti emphasised.
Mr Galanti also featured as speaker at the opening session of the International Conference on Geographical Indications on 5 October 2023. Mr Galanti presented the state of development of GIs in Indonesian drawing the attention of international Gi community and donors on opportunities and challenges to further assist Indonesia to become an international GI player.
Giovanni Galanti presented ARISE+ Indonesia's support to Indonesian GIs at the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting
On next day of 6 October 2023, Mr Galanti presented ARISE+ Indonesia's experience in establishing professional control system along GI value chains during the session “How to Strengthen GI Groups and Controls in Developing Countries”. Mr. Galanti highlighted the effective technical assistance provided by ARISE+ Indonesia, which enabled several Indonesian Geographical Indications (GIs), selected as pilot projects, to pass third-party external control with outstanding results and gain significant visibility.
After the conference, Mr Galanti advised the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) of Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights, as the GI overseer, to assist in forging networks with development partners, especially after ARISE+ Indonesia's program ends. Given the lessons learned and the current situation, he emphasised the importance of this support, highlighting that numerous MPIGs still need further capacity building to enhance their organisations and effectively establish international networks.
"All of these efforts are crucial for the further development and advancement of Indonesian GIs, both nationally and internationally. This progress, in turn, will ensure maximum benefits for its members," Mr Galanti stated.
The presentations by Mr Galanti and Mr Soetanto brought significant visibility and international recognition to Indonesian GIs and the work of ARISE+ Indonesia.
One of the sessions at the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting
Photo 3: Exhibition session at the 2023 oriGIn Biennial Meeting
