HEAD of the South Kalimantan Province Trade Service (Disdag), Birhasani revealed that export volume and value until November 2022 remained the highest driver for South Kalimantan's economic growth.
Even though the development of South Kalimantan's exports from month to month sometimes shows a decline, Birhasani emphasized that it will not have a significant effect on the value and volume of exports in 2022.
"In fact, throughout 2022 until the latest data for November, there has actually been an increase in the value and volume of exports. In terms of South Kalimantan's trade balance, namely exports versus imports, of course there is a surplus," said Birhasani to trailrekam.com, Sunday (1/1/2023).
According to him, South Kalimantan is in the top 10 provinces that have a share in national exports. On the other hand, import activities to South Kalimantan will also color throughout 2022. "However, the volume and value of imports is much smaller than South Kalimantan's exports in 2022," said Birhasani.
According to him, imported goods entering South Kalimantan were dominated by industrial raw materials and industrial equipment or machinery. On the other hand, other imported goods are very small, such as equipment or personal household needs.
"In fact, the occurrence of imports has an impact on increasing industrial activity and increased production. In the end, it can actually increase the volume and value of the next South Kalimantan export," said Birhasani.

Broadly speaking, Birhasani revealed that the data showed that there were five major export commodities or products of South Kalimantan. Most importantly, it is still occupied by mining products; coal, palm products, wood products, natural rubber and fishery products. "Of the five commodities or products that dominate or have the potential to be mining or coal products," said Birhasani. He did not deny that the value or volume of South Kalimantan's exports still depended heavily on coal. Not surprisingly, if there is a decline, it will have an impact on South Kalimantan's economic growth.
In the future, according to him, in order to increase the value and volume of South Kalimantan's exports, it is necessary to further develop it through an industrial downstream intensification program.
"Meanwhile, in 2023, it is predicted that South Kalimantan will remain one of the regions included in the top 10 provinces that contribute to national exports. Indeed, mining products such as coal still occupy the top position in supporting South Kalimantan's export value," said Birhasani.
He Hakkul believes that if South Kalimantan can develop downstream coal products and other commodities, the value of South Kalimantan's exports will double. “Economists also predict that in 2023 there will be a global recession. Of course, we don't expect that to happen in South Kalimantan, generally in Indonesia," said Birhasani.

According to him, a country or region that can withstand the threat of a global crisis is having strong food security. That is, it does not depend on other regions.
“Also, areas that are rich in natural potential, including food crops, plantations, and other agricultural sectors and natural resources. This is why South Kalimantan must be supported by a strong downstream industry," Birhasani added.
Source:  https://jejakrekam.com/2023/01/01/didominasi-batubara-volume-dan-nilai-ekspor-kalsel-alami-peningkatan-di-tahun-2022/