Barantin Downstreaming Boosts Durian Exports and Strengthens Global Supply Chain

Indonesia’s Quarantine Agency (Barantin) is promoting Indonesia’s position in the global supply chain through agricultural downstreaming via the direct export of frozen durian to China. In partnership with the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, Barantin released 459 tonnes of frozen durian valued at Rp42.5 billion. This export marks the opening of a direct distribution route without passing through intermediary countries.

Barantin Head, Sahat M. Panggabean, stated that this achievement is the result of cross-sector collaboration, from farmers, business actors, local government, to relevant ministries and agencies. “Access to the Chinese market was built through a long process, starting from the bilateral meeting in July 2023 in Labuan Bajo up to the signing of the frozen durian export protocol on 25 May 2025,” he said on Friday, 24 April 2026.

Since the protocol took effect until 15 April 2026, 151 containers of frozen durian have been shipped to China with a value reaching Rp377.5 billion. Cumulatively, the export volume has reached 4,077 tonnes.

Barantin stated that it continues to ensure quality, food safety, and compliance with international standards to maintain global market trust.

Previously, Indonesia’s durian exports to China had to go through intermediary countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. With the direct route, the shipping time, which was previously around 56 days, has been reduced to 22-26 days, and logistics costs have become much more efficient. This improvement in the distribution chain impacts increased cash flow for business actors and accelerates the national production cycle.

This step is also part of the national downstreaming agenda, encouraging the export of value-added products. Durian is no longer just marketed in fresh form but processed into internationally standardised frozen products.

Sahat said that China’s durian demand reaches around US$8 billion per year, seen as opening up great opportunities for Indonesia to increase its global market share. “The potential and export opportunities are very large to be developed in Indonesia,” he said.

Central Sulawesi Governor, Anwar Hafid, stated that the success of this direct export strengthens the region’s position as one of the national durian centres. “This becomes a momentum for Central Sulawesi to emerge as a main player in durian commodities in the global market,” he said.