Lumajang Eyes Singapore Market for Mas Kirana Bananas

RRI.CO.ID, Lumajang - The Lumajang Regency Administration in East Java has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to open export pathways for its signature local fruit, the Mas Kirana Banana, into the Singaporean market.

The market exploration effort culminated in a joint harvesting event and buyer matching session on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Local authorities discussed product characteristics, supply readiness, shelf-life, and distribution protocols with potential buyers in Singapore. The premium local banana holds a official Geographical Indication (GI) certification, featuring a uniform small size, golden-yellow skin, and exceptional sweetness ranging from 22 to 29 degrees Brix.

Cultivated by 629 farmers across 238 hectares with over 45,000 productive trees, Lumajang currently yields around 43.8 tons monthly, with potential capacity reaching 191 tons per month under optimized land management. To establish market trust and evaluate the supply chain, stakeholders are preparing a trial shipment of 1 to 2 tons.

Shelf-life tests indicate the fruit remains fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. The initial export phase will involve experienced exporters working alongside farmer cooperatives, while local agricultural officers continue providing organic fertilizer support to mitigate climate-related yield fluctuations of 15 to 20 percent.

Lumajang agricultural officials emphasized that combining Geographical Indication protection, strict food safety, and trial shipments is vital to building long-term commercial trade partnerships in Singapore.

Head of the Lumajang Regency Horticulture Division Hendra Suwandaru said that Mas Kirana Banana is a premium local banana with an established Geographical Indication, from a quality perspective, its characteristics are highly attractive for export markets.

"Beyond flavor, food safety and product identity serve as major added values that we are introducing to prospective buyers in Singapore," Hendra said during a joint harvest in Lumajang Regency on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

He explained that for the initial phase, they need to build trust through a trial shipment of 1 to 2 tons to evaluate fruit condition during transit, quality upon arrival, and market response, once quality and market response align, commercial cooperation can be expanded. "Through contacts facilitated by the FAO, our goal is for Mas Kirana Banana to gain recognition in global markets while delivering direct economic value down to the farmer level," Hendra added. ***