Quarantine Agency Releases Export of 459 Tonnes of Frozen Durian to China
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) together with the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government released the export of 459 tonnes of frozen durian to China valued at Rp42.5 billion from Palu, Central Sulawesi.
Head of Barantin, Sahat M. Panggabean, stated that the export is the result of a long process of opening market access following the signing of the Indonesia-China frozen durian export protocol on 25 May 2025.
“The success of durian exports penetrating the Chinese market is the fruit of hard work and collaboration from all parties, from farmers to the government,” said Sahat based on his statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He added that to date, a total of 151 containers of durian have been sent to China with an economic value reaching Rp377.5 billion.
Previously, Indonesian durian exports to China were not conducted directly and had to go through intermediary countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia before entering the destination market.
According to Sahat, direct exports to China cut logistics time from the previous approximately 56 days to 22-26 days, while also reducing distribution costs by up to twofold, thereby improving cash flow for business actors.
He emphasised that his agency continues to ensure the quality and food safety of export products by meeting international standards to maintain trust in the global market.
Meanwhile, Head of Quarantine for Central Sulawesi, Alfian, stated that in the period January-April 2026, frozen durian exports to China reached 4,077 tonnes based on Best Trust system data.
“Direct exports to China not only cut logistics costs but also provide great profit opportunities because durian prices there are 5-7 times higher than local prices,” he explained.
Alfian elaborated that Central Sulawesi has become one of the main export regions because seven out of eight certified frozen durian packing houses are located in the area.
Based on regional government data, Central Sulawesi has around 3.7 million durian trees with production reaching 95,140 tonnes in 2025, spread across several districts/cities, particularly Poso and Parigi Moutong.
Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid said the direct export also strengthens the region’s position as a national durian centre capable of penetrating global markets.
“This success affirms Central Sulawesi durian as a representation of the region towards becoming the world’s durian king,” said Anwar.
The government assesses that China’s demand for durian, reaching around US$8 billion per year, presents a great opportunity for Indonesia to increase foreign exchange through exports of leading horticultural commodities.