Few might guess that frog legs from South Sumatra, a dish that often makes people uneasy, are actually winning over diners around the world. Behind that surprising demand lies a growing opportunity: this province could soon rise as a major exporter of fresh frozen frog legs, a product with notably high market value.
Sri Endah Ekandari, Head of South Sumatra Quarantine, highlighted that frog legs deserve more attention alongside South Sumatra’s famous coffee and palm oil. “There’s this new commodity, frog legs, which still needs further exploration. The location is around Seberang Pulau Kemaro,” she said on Monday (July 14, 2025).
Data from the Center for Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine (BKHIT) reveal that in December 2023, exports of frozen frog legs from South Sumatra were worth Rp2.3 billion, totaling 17,076 kilograms. Fast forward to 2025, that volume climbed to 51,955 kilograms with a value that soared to Rp8.96 billion. “The importing countries include Belgium, France, and Switzerland,” Endah explained.
Yet, despite the impressive growth, the supply of frog legs remains limited. Endah pointed out that few locals realize how much value frog legs hold in international markets. “The issue is really with the catch quota. But that’s beyond our scope, so ideally the local government should step in and support breeding programs,” she said.
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Currently, most of the frog legs exported come from wild catching across several areas like Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), East Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU Timur), and parts of Palembang City. The species commonly harvested is the paddy field frog, Fejervarya cancrivora.
South Sumatra’s success with frog legs shows that even unexpected local products can find eager buyers abroad. The next challenge lies in ensuring supply through cultivation and raising awareness so this unique export potential keeps growing.
