Trade Minister releases Banyuwangi live ornamental coral exports to US

Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso on Friday released an export of live ornamental coral worth US$2,500 belonging to PT Sri Kandi Aquarium in Ketapang Village, Kalipuro District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java.

“So, today we are releasing a live coral export destined for the United States, and its value is US$2,500,” Trade Minister Budi Santoso told reporters after seeing off the live coral export.

He said the government will continue to promote local products and provide assistance both in terms of marketing and training.

According to Budi, the Ministry of Trade or the government has trade representatives and ITPC (Indonesia Trade Promotion Center) in 33 countries.

“Their task is to find buyers or promote Indonesian products, one of which is products from MSMEs in Banyuwangi,” he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of PT Sri Kandi Aquarium, I Ketut Sukandi, said that the live ornamental coral cultivated by his company and exported today amounted to around 200 pieces worth around US$2,500.

“On average, we export to a number of countries in Europe around six to seven times per month, with one export worth approximately US$2,500, depending on orders,” he said.

Since the ornamental coral cultivation company was established in 2011, Ketut continued, around 29 types of live coral have been cultivated and exported to date.

“One of the favourite live ornamental corals is the Euphyllia species. As for our export markets, there are 20 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, the United States, Canada, Mexico and others,” Ketut said.

From observations, before releasing the live coral export, Trade Minister Budi Santoso, accompanied by Banyuwangi Deputy Regent Mujiono, directly inspected the live ornamental coral cultivation site, the packing process for the coral to be exported, and the transplantation of the ornamental coral.