Driven by China’s rapidly growing appetite for durian, Indonesia is preparing to launch its frozen durian exports to China later this year — a move aimed at boosting agricultural exports and strengthening the country’s international trade position.
The initiative coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade through the “Durian Diplomacy” Strategy
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China’s decision to expand durian imports reflects its effort to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations, as part of what is being called “durian diplomacy.”
Beijing has pledged to widen market access and increase purchases of tropical fruits from the region — particularly from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Indonesia sees this as a golden opportunity to tap into a market valued at nearly USD 7 billion in durian imports last year, while also positioning itself to access other potential destinations where durian is gaining popularity.
Parigi Moutong: Indonesia’s Key Durian Supply Hub
One of Indonesia’s main durian-producing regions is Parigi Moutong, located in Central Sulawesi, which is famous for the Monthong variety — originally from Thailand but now widely cultivated in both Indonesia and Vietnam.
Monthong durians are known for their large size (3–5 kg per fruit), creamy texture, sweet rich flavor, small seeds, and thick flesh — characteristics that make them highly appealing to Chinese consumers.
Currently, frozen Monthong durians from Indonesia reach China mainly via intermediaries in Thailand, leading to longer transit times and higher costs.
By establishing direct export routes, Indonesia aims to cut transport time from one month to just one week and reduce shipping costs by half.
“Shipping directly from Pantoloan Port in Central Sulawesi to China will take only around seven days, compared to a month via Thailand,”
said Muhammad Tahir, Director of PT Ammar Durian Indonesia.
“This direct route will help double our export volume from 30 to 50 containers per year.”
Meeting China’s Strict Export Standards
China enforces stringent import requirements for durian, requiring Indonesian farmers and suppliers to comply with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GHP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)to ensure product quality.
All durian supply chains must also support traceability, allowing authorities to verify each stage of production, packaging, and shipment.
“From planting to packaging and shipping, every step must be traceable,”
said Ahmad Mansuri Alfian, Head of the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of Central Sulawesi.
“We’ve implemented a barcode system to verify origin directly from registered farms and packing facilities.”
Currently, PT Silvia Amerta Jaya is among 14 registered durian processors in Parigi Moutong authorized to export frozen durians directly to China.
The company collaborates with over 500 farmers and is now seeking approval to export fresh durians as well.
Although Central Sulawesi has about 30,000 hectares of durian plantations, only 10% are officially recognized by local authorities, with most farmers still relying on traditional cultivation methods.
Expanding Indonesia’s Role in the Global Durian Market
With the establishment of direct export routes to China, improved logistics, and stronger compliance systems, Indonesia is poised to strengthen its position in the global durian industry.
This new phase not only marks an important milestone in Indonesia–China trade relations but also reflects the country’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural competitiveness and export diversification.