LINCOLN- The trade mission to Indonesia led by Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and another 20 delegates from Nebraska concluded after 10 days. The trip included Nebraska meat scientist Chris Calkins teaching a workshop for over 70 culinary students as well as visiting the country’s largest movie chain to see popcorn imported from Chapman, Nebraska. The delegates including Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, found the trip to be very beneficial for Nebraska’s ag producers.

The trip was originally to be led by Gov. Jim Pillen, but he stayed in Nebraska due to the special session. The aim of the trip was to promote Nebraska’s agricultural industry with Indonesia, which is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska, at $139 million. The delegation included representatives from Nebraska’s Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, the University of Nebraska, and several businesses.

The delegation had many stops including meeting the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, the U.S. Grains Council, feed mills, and the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. At the Istiqlal Mosque, the delegation learned about creating products that align with halal certification standards. State officials said more than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim.

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