On 16 August 2025, Indonesia successfully exported 81 tonnes of coconut-based products to China, with a total value of IDR 1.8 billion. The shipment included 54 tonnes of frozen coconut milk and 27 tonnes of coconut water from the Riau Islands. The Indonesian Quarantine Agency facilitated this inaugural export through the Riau Islands Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office. The Deputy for Plant Quarantine, Bambang, stated that this export aligns with the Astacita Programme, as promoted by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to promote the downstream processing of agricultural products. This initiative is expected to add value while improving the welfare of small and medium-sized enterprises based on a people-centric economy. The quarantine, as the nation's gateway, ensures that all goods transported are safe, healthy, and suitable for consumption in both the originating region and the destination country. Moreover, Bambang added that his office has launched the Go Export programme to expand the market for Indonesian agricultural products, thereby supporting the achievement of an 8% economic growth target.
Herwintarti, Head of the Riau Islands Quarantine Agency, said her agency directly assists in meeting China's strict export requirements. This shows the potential of Riau Islands' agriculture to compete in the global market and is expected to increase demand for more agricultural products. From 1 January to 15 August 2025, the Riau Islands Quarantine Office recorded the export of 10,596.91 tonnes of whole coconuts and their derivatives, valued at IDR 191 billion. This represents a 21.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with destinations including Australia, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Russia, Egypt, and several other countries. Herwintarti is confident that exports of coconut and its derivatives will increase significantly by the end of the year.
