Banyuwangi's Red Durian Variety Receives Geographical Indication

RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - The government has officially classified the Banyuwangi's signature horticultural commodity, red durian, as a Geographical Indication (GI) item. The Directorate of Trademarks and Geographical Indications at Ministry of Law granted the Banyuwangi Red Durian GI certificate after a procedure that started in 2023.

Banyuwangi Regent, Ipuk Fiestiandani, expressed her gratitude and pride for the recognition. "Thank God, the Banyuwangi Red Durian GI certificate has been issued. And this is the first in Indonesia for red durian," Ipuk said last week.

Ipuk thanked the central government for backing the release of the GI certification. She expressed hope this recognition will act as a marketing tool and improve farmer output, especially in Songgon Subdistrict, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, as the center of red durian production.

"This Geographical Indication recognition is anticipated to enhance farmer welfare and draw tourists to Banyuwangi. Do visit Banyuwangi and taste the red durian of Banyuwangi that is really unique and cannot be found anywhere else," she said.

The Banyuwangi red durian (Durio zibethinus L.) is notable for its red flesh, unique taste, and potent perfume, according to Ilham Juanda, Acting Head of the Banyuwangi Agriculture and Food Agency.

"The uniqueness of Banyuwangi's red durian is created by a combination of natural elements like soil, climate, and elevation, together with local knowledge and farming techniques that have been passed down through the years," Ilham said.

According to Ilham, the flesh of Banyuwangi's red durian comes in a variety of gradations, including red, rainbow red, and tinged red. Its physical features include a fruit form that ranges from spherical to oval, greenish-yellow skin, between 4 and 7 segments, a pulp thickness between 4.2 and 18.5 mm, and a pulp content of 41.7 percent.

"This durian has a strong aroma, a balanced sweet and bitter taste, a soft and chewy texture, and high nutritional content such as antioxidants and vitamin C, with a relatively low fat content, according to organoleptic analysis," he added.

He continued by saying that the red durian from Banyuwangi is an uncommon variety. The Geographical Indication (GI) currently only lists six parent trees, with an estimated average yield of four tons per tree.

The Banyuwangi red durian is made from six high-quality national types: Balqis, SOJ, Gandrung, Sayu Wiwit, Tawangalun, and Madu Blambangan. The subdistricts of Songgon, Rogojampi, Singojuruh, Glagah, Licin, and Srono are where these six varieties are cultivated. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)