Sulawesi Opens Direct Export Route, Sending Tapioca Flour and Coconut Oil

RRI.CO.ID, Kendari — Southeast Sulawesi has officially opened its first direct export route, sending 1,027 tons of tapioca flour and crude coconut oil worth a total of IDR 10.9 billion to the international market. The shipment, which was released from the PT Agri Cassava Makmur facility in South Konawe Regency last Thursday, marks an important milestone.

It is because commodities from Southeast Sulawesi can now be sent directly to their destination countries without first transiting through Makassar or Surabaya as is the current practice, as part of efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of regional agricultural downstream products in the global market.

According to a statement received on Monday, September 14, 2026, the shipment comprised 900 tons of tapioca flour (valued at IDR 7.3 billion) sent to China and 127 tons of crude coconut oil (valued at IDR 3.6 billion) sent to Malaysia. Both commodities are locally processed agricultural goods that have long held great potential but were previously hindered by lengthy distribution routes before reaching overseas buyers.

The opening of this direct export route effectively shortens the shipping chain, which previously required goods to pass through other regions first. Lengthy distribution chains have long been a major challenge for businesses in Southeast Sulawesi seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of their products in international markets.

Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), Abdul Kadir Karding, stated that this direct export initiative is part of a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of regional commodities. He explained that quarantine services go beyond mere inspection at the point of exit; they also ensure that products meet the health, safety, and traceability standards required by destination countries.

According to him, quarantine serves as an economic instrument because the certification provided does more than just prevent the spread of pests and diseases; it also plays a decisive role in whether Indonesian products are accepted or rejected by trading partner nations. Each country maintains distinct standards and protocols for commodity imports; consequently, failure to meet these requirements risks having products rejected upon arrival at the destination.

Data from the Best Trust Barantin system indicates that the value of commodities from Southeast Sulawesi receiving quarantine certification throughout 2026 reached IDR 593.54 billion. This figure illustrates the large potential for the movement of regional agricultural and fishery commodities which is still open for further development.

Head of the Southeast Sulawesi Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency, Jaelani, affirmed his agency's readiness to assist business players in meeting both quarantine requirements and destination-country regulations to ensure consistent export operations.

Southeast Sulawesi Governor, Andi Sumangerukka, described this direct export initiative as a pivotal moment to drive the downstream processing of local commodities into value-added products, moving beyond the mere sale of raw materials. The export launch was attended by representatives from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, Bank Indonesia, Kendari Customs, the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office, Pelindo, and local business operators.

The main challenge faced will be maintaining consistent deliveries, from raw material availability, product quality, production continuity, to compliance with destination country requirements. Thus, this export shipment, valued at IDR 10.9 billion, is expected to be more than just a one-off achievement; it is envisioned as a gateway for more of Southeast Sulawesi’s premium products to access global markets directly from their region of origin.