RRI.CO.ID, Palu - The Central Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Durian Plantation Association (Apdurin) has inked strategic agreements with two Chinese companies to strengthen durian exports to China, establishing standardized supply chain practices to support sustainable trade and investment.

The cooperation agreements were officially signed in Chengdu, China, last week, marking a concerted push to align regional smallholder output with stringent international trade and customs standards.

Chairman of Apdurin Central Sulawesi, Hengky Dirus, confirmed the signing of the cooperation agreements (PKS) during a phone interview from Palu on Monday, July 27, 2026.

"We signed cooperation agreements with two Chinese companies in Chengdu last week to build a professional supply system that meets international standards," Hengky said on Monday, July 27, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Under the partnership, Apdurin Central Sulawesi will oversee supply management from member-owned orchards to ensure stable, high-quality, legal, and traceable fruit deliveries. The association is also working to expedite official plantation and packing house registrations to satisfy General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) import regulations.

Data from the Central Sulawesi Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Agency shows that the province currently has approximately 36,000 hectares of durian plantations, with around 12,000 hectares actively producing. While regional capacity continues to expand, demand from China's multi-billion-dollar consumer market presents significant room for growth.

"To date, we continue to collaborate with both central and regional administration to expand the number of registered durian orchards so that we can export to China," Hengky stated.

The agreements cover quality control alignment, end-to-end product traceability systems, brand building for Central Sulawesi durians in the Chinese market, market intelligence sharing, and long-term promotional campaigns.

To maintain food safety standards, farmers are required to strictly follow recommended dosages for fertilizers and pesticides, adhering to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) guidelines certified by the Ministry of Agriculture.

"All farmers registered by the Ministry of Agriculture apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) so that they can compete with durian-producing nations globally," Hengky added.

By early 2026, Central Sulawesi had recorded durian exports reaching 7,052 metric tons. Hengky urged local growers to remain vigilant regarding harvest timing and quality control to protect the region's commercial standing.

"A reputation built over years can be lost if quality is not maintained. Therefore, farmers are an essential part of export success, harvesting at the proper maturity level and preserving fruit quality until it reaches consumers in target markets," he noted. ***