Barantin: Regional flagship commodities require export acceleration

Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) stated that regional flagship commodities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors need accelerated steps to penetrate export markets. “We have a strategic role in maintaining biosecurity while facilitating the flow of agricultural, fisheries, and livestock commodities, so regional flagship products must reach global markets. We are ready to assist in strengthening and technical preparation for exports,” said Barantin Chief Abdul Kadir Karding during a working visit to Palu on Tuesday. During the visit, Barantin and the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government agreed to collaborate in boosting regional flagship commodity exports to support local farmers and fishers’ welfare. “We are continuously enhancing capabilities and strengthening quarantine oversight of commodities meeting international health, safety, and quality standards,” he said. According to Karding, the synergy between his agency and the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government has yielded positive results, including the successful export of durians to China in 2026. “Central Sulawesi durians are now a star product, having entered the Chinese market with their origin identity, no longer routed through other countries,” he said. He viewed this success as proof of Indonesian agricultural products’ competitiveness in global markets, while also creating opportunities to improve farmers’ welfare in Central Sulawesi. “Many other potential commodities can be developed for export markets, such as bird’s nests, cocoa, mangosteens, lobsters, shrimp, live grouper, octopus, ornamental fish, and various other seafood products. The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government should seize these opportunities,” he added. Meanwhile, Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid stated that the successful durian exports to China serve as a strategic step to open international markets for other regional flagship commodities. As part of the local government’s commitment, he is strengthening production quality, farmer and business operator training, and surveillance systems to expand export access. “We are working to include several agricultural, marine, and fisheries commodities in future export lists to become new economic sources for the region,” Anwar added.