Coconut Shell Charcoal Export Marks New Chapter for Southeast Sulawesi’s Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - Southeast Sulawesi has taken a significant step in diversifying its economy beyond mining, as the province officially dispatching its first export to China of 50 tons of coconut shell charcoal produced by Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) Awunio in South Konawe.

Speaking in Kendari on Saturday, February 22, 2026, Deputy Governor Hugua, who also chairs the province’s Export Acceleration Team, said the shipment from Kolono Subistrict carries an export value of IDR 750 million (USD 44.476).

“This inaugural export is a milestone in strengthening the people’s economy. KDMP Awunio is the second village cooperative in Indonesia, and the first in Eastern Indonesia, to successfully carry out an independent export,” Hugua said, as quoted by Antara.

He stressed the importance of maintaining sustainable supply to international markets, as buyer confidence depends on consistent delivery.

The export release also reflects strong growth in Southeast Sulawesi’s non-mining sector. Official data show non-mining exports valued at IDR 11.1 billion in 2024, rising to IDR 16.37 billion in 2025.

Remarkably, in just the first two months of 2026, the figure surged to IDR 35 billion, an increase of 113.8 percent compared to the total for 2025.

While mining still dominates with IDR 4.4 trillion in export value, Hugua underscored the accelerating role of non-mining commodities such as marine products, fisheries, and plantation goods like coconut shell charcoal in driving economic diversification.

KDMP Awunio Chairman Dadang said the achievement has inspired villagers to transform local resources into globally competitive products.

"The Merah Putih Village Cooperative has given new energy to the community, encouraging them to develop businesses that can reach the export stage,” he said.

At the same event, Pelindo Region IV Kendari General Manager Herryanto announced that Southeast Sulawesi now has direct container export services for the first time, with a capacity of up to 150 containers per week. ***