Indonesia is home to a variety of fruits with great potential as leading commodities. Among these, the salak pondoh, or snake fruit, has become a favorite among farmers on the slopes of Mount Merapi, particularly in Kaliurang Village, Srumbung District, Magelang Regency, Central Java. Known for its high quality, sweet taste, and thick flesh, salak pondoh has garnered international attention and successfully penetrated export markets. The collaboration between the government and the private sector through the Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) Farmers Group has resulted in the production of high-quality salak. Not only is this fruit marketed domestically, but it is also exported to several countries, including China, Cambodia, the Czech Republic, Thailand, and Germany. With a cultivated area of 310 hectares, farmers have produced 19.3 tons of salak pondoh, generating an income of IDR 7.8 billion. From 2009 to 2024, a total of 244 tons of salak pondoh has been exported.

Feri, the Chairman of the DSA Facilitator Team in Magelang, referred to the export release event as the "World Salak Festival," emphasizing the successful international shipments from Magelang. Salak pondoh was specifically chosen for its superior qualities and high market demand, with recent shipments of 19.3 tons sent to China, Cambodia, and Germany. He pointed out that the export potential for salak is significant, particularly in tropical countries that do not grow this fruit. Furthermore, they are exploring markets in Vietnam, China, and the Middle East. M. Taufiq Ratule, the Acting Director General of Horticulture at the Ministry of Agriculture, supports the export activities, highlighting their role in boosting the economy, creating jobs, attracting investors, and increasing state revenue. He noted that taxes from exports could enhance national foreign exchange and open up job opportunities, contributing positively to international market dynamics. Agus Suryono, Chairman of the Ngudi Luhur Farmers Group, added that salak exports greatly benefit farmers, improving their incomes despite the challenges faced.

Source: https://www.beritasatu.com/ekonomi/2848770/kementan-lepas-ekspor-244-ton-salak-ke-mancanegara