The protection of agricultural products under geographical indication: An alternative tool for agricultural development in Indonesia

Indonesia has a lot of agricultural products with unique quality and special characteristic associated with geographical factors such as Toraja Coffee, Alor Vanili, Banda Nutmeg, Java Tea, Deli Tobacco, Cianjur Rise etc. This paper argues that GI protection may contribute to agricultural product diversities and productivity by enhancing production, processing and developing of unique local, niche and special agricultural products. By qualifying intangible assets that are difficult to transfer to other territories, GIs can be conceptually understood as a catalyst and counter point to dynamics of the local agriculture development in Indonesia. GI strategy becomes a tool to ensure the development of agriculture in Indonesia by increasing productivity, creating employment, increasing the incomes of farmers and producers, adding economic value to products, increasing the diversity of supply products, improving the exports of GI products and contributing to GDP, enhancing agriculture investment, etc.