Transmigration Minister Targets Japan as Export Market for East Java Mangoes

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Transmigration (Mentrans) Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara is targeting Japan as a new export market for East Java mangoes through the development of zones based on superior commodities and the resolution of technical trade barriers.

He said Japan is one of the priority markets because of its demand for high-quality fruit. However, Indonesian mango exports to the country still face a number of technical requirements, particularly related to fruit fly control.

“One of the main challenges is the fruit fly issue. We are working with various parties to overcome it. It does require costs, but I am confident that if this barrier can be resolved, the Japanese market will open up and the Japanese people will love Indonesian mangoes,” Iftitah said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

The Transmigration Minister made the remarks while attending the Digital Economy Ecosystem Festival in Surabaya, East Java.

Iftitah assessed that avocado mangoes from Pasuruan and arumanis mangoes from Probolinggo, East Java, are highly competitive and have the potential to become one of Indonesia’s leading horticultural commodities in the international market.

“I have tasted mangoes from various countries, from Pakistan, Thailand, India, China, Mexico to Brazil. But in my opinion, nothing beats the sweetness of East Java mangoes,” he said.

The Minister explained that he often sends East Java mangoes to the ambassadors of the United States, China, Australia and a number of friendly countries to introduce the quality of the commodity. According to him, the responses received so far have been very positive.

“They love the mangoes from East Java,” Iftitah revealed.