Durian. Indonesian government is set to establish fruit as one of its main export commodities through national cultivation program.
Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo said his ministry will focus on strengthening fruit cultivation as international demand for tropical fruits from Indonesia remains high.
“Agriculture Ministry will continue to strengthen our fruit cultivation, especially certain varieties that meet global demand and are universally sought after,” Limpo said in a press statement on Aug.11.
According to the minister, there are several varieties that have become the country’s backbone commodity. Being one of the world’s biggest pineapple producers, Indonesia’s export for the fruit could reach up to Rp 1.5 trillion ($103.4 million), while for mangosteen amounted up to Rp 1.09 trillion ($69.5 million) annually.
Among the rest of most-exported fruits are mango, snakefruit, rambutan, durian, and dragonfruit.
Limpo added that even though Indonesia continues to import several varieties of fruit, its export potential remains promising and could be the source of state revenue in the long run.
“[For example,] our data shows our fruit export to China at Rp 94 trillion while the import amount is at Rp 45 trillion. It shows we still make profit and the potential remains wide open,” he said.
In the future, the ministry plans to involve all parties in the horticulture industry to create a stronger cultivation program that could benefit and make contribution to Indonesia. With strong cooperation, Limpo hoped Indonesia could meet the global demand and fruit to become a national export backbone.
