The Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantin) through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of the Riau Islands (Kepri) has certified and ensured the health of coconut milk products from Karimun Regency, leading to the first export shipment to Malaysia valued at IDR 382.7 million on 12 August 2024. The coconut milk is sourced from the small islands of Moro and Sungai Guntung, which host one of Indonesia's largest coconut plantations. Herwintarti, the Head of Kepri Quarantine, highlighted that by early August 2024, coconut milk exports from Kepri had reached 904.6 tons, generating an economic value of IDR 17.8 billion. Major export destinations include China, Germany, and Malaysia, with export volume showing a 0.05% increase compared to the previous year. This initial shipment by PT KCC consisted of 20 tons of coconut milk, marking a significant step forward. Herwintarti expressed hope that more businesses from Kepri, especially from Moro, would engage in direct exports of coconut and its derivatives.
The quarantine agency remains vigilant, offering services and health certification after conducting physical inspections, including UHT treatment at 140°C. These efforts align with the directives from the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency to expedite services at border areas through a fully integrated digital system, aiming to streamline trade and bolster national economic growth. This export activity is a crucial part of the quarantine system, which aims to prevent the spread of pests and diseases and ensure the safety and quality of food products entering and leaving Indonesia. The digital integration of export services is a strategic move to protect Indonesia's biodiversity and contribute to national economic growth through enhanced agricultural and fishery exports. Additionally, the region's marine products, including fish and shrimp from Tanjungpinang, Lingga, and Bangka Belitung, are exported to Singapore and Malaysia, all certified by Kepri Quarantine officials.
