In celebration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) through the Southeast Sulawesi Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (Karantina) facilitated the inaugural export of 646 tons of coconuts to China. This milestone, valued at IDR 2.52 billion, represents Barantin's role as an "economic tool" in facilitating market access for Indonesia's leading commodities in international trade, thereby positively impacting the local economy and increasing the nation's foreign exchange. Sahat M. Panggabean, Head of Barantin, emphasized the agency's focus on implementing a traceability system for export products, ensuring that commodity production is recorded from upstream to downstream. This system helps local farmers access international markets by guaranteeing the health and quality of agricultural exports to meet the importing countries' standards.
Sahat expressed hope that this initial export would pave the way for further development of export potential, enhancing the prosperity of farmers, businesses, and the community, particularly in Southeast Sulawesi. The acting Governor of Southeast Sulawesi, represented by the Provincial Secretary Asrun Lio, affirmed the regional government's commitment to supporting the growth of key local commodities. Asrun highlighted the importance of creating a conducive business environment and increasing the production capacity of farmers and entrepreneurs in Southeast Sulawesi. Additionally, Southeast Sulawesi's round coconut has become a leading agricultural commodity, with 1.66 thousand tons transported domestically in 2024. Other promising export commodities from the region include copra, corn, cocoa beans, cashew nuts, cloves, coconut flour, areca nut, and nutmeg, all of which have shown significant domestic traffic volumes. The Head of Southeast Sulawesi Quarantine, Azhar, reiterated the agency's ongoing coordination with stakeholders to boost the province's exports, aiming to add significant value to the region and its farmers. The event was attended by various officials, including the Heads of KSOP, Lanal Command, Kajati Sultra, Pelindo, Plantation Services, Food Security Services, Agricultural Services, and Customs Kendari.
