Imsge Credits: South China Morning Post
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday as he officially dispatched a shipment of Lampung-produced coconut derivative products valued at approximately US$1.5 million to international markets. The consignment, totaling Rp25.3 billion, is destined for Australia, the Netherlands, China, and Tanzania.
The export batch includes a range of coconut products such as coconut water, coconut milk, and desiccated coconut. Minister Hasan, addressing attendees in South Lampung District, emphasized Indonesia’s strategic advantage as a leading coconut producer. “As a major coconut-producing nation, we are well-positioned to supply markets that lack local production capabilities,” Hasan stated.
Hasan also highlighted the benefits of Indonesia’s downstreaming policy, which has significantly increased the value derived from coconut products. This policy has enabled the transformation of coconuts into a variety of high-value derivatives beyond traditional copra, including coconut flour, coconut milk powder, liquid coconut milk, coconut water, and nata de coco (coconut gel). He underscored the importance of maximizing the utility of every part of the coconut, noting that shells can be converted into activated carbon and fibers used in vehicle seat production.
Agus Susanto, a representative from the exporting company PT Sari Segar Husada, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing success of the export initiative.
He further emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining high product quality to uphold the trust of international clients. Susanto also noted growing demand from other countries, including France, the United States, and the Philippines, for products such as coconut drinks, desiccated coconut, and coconut milk.
This export event underscores Indonesia’s expanding role in the global coconut market and reflects the country’s broader efforts to enhance the value and reach of its agricultural commodities.