Jakarta. Indonesia’s durian exports are projected to soar by 3,000 percent next year as the country begins direct shipments to China.

The Parigi Moutong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Central Sulawesi targets up to Rp1 trillion ($61 million) in cash flow from durian exports in the first quarter of 2026, following the government’s decision to designate the regency as Indonesia’s main export hub for the "King of Fruits".

Indonesia exported only 600 tons of durians worth about $1.8 million last year, mainly to Thailand and Hong Kong. With the new access to China, the value is expected to jump significantly.

“We are optimistic that with strong regulations and investment certainty, Parigi Moutong’s durian exports will reach Rp1 trillion in 2026,” said Kadin Chair Faradiba Zaenong on Thursday.

Durian production in Parigi Moutong reached around 6,000 tons in 2024, generating between Rp 600 billion and Rp 700 billion in transactions between farmers and processing factories. Kadin expects the new export route to China to significantly lift both regional revenue and farmer incomes.

To support the expansion, Kadin is urging the local government and legislature to issue a joint regulation to strengthen investment climate, ensure business certainty, and boost regional revenue. Faradiba said 14 durian packing houses in Parigi and another 16 in Palu remain without clear legal standing, leading to unhealthy price competition among farmers.

“We propose a one-gate regulation so durian prices become more transparent and fair. Ideally, harvests should go through cooperatives or local enterprises before reaching packing houses,” she said.

Kadin, together with the Indonesian Durian Plantation Association (Apdurin), also plans to push for farmer-friendly policies, including subsidized fertilizers, better seedlings, and improved plantation infrastructure. “This is a major moment for Parigi Moutong. After years of being only a supplier, we are now ready to export directly to China,” Faradiba said.

The surge follows the signing of an export protocol for frozen Indonesian durians between the Indonesian Quarantine Agency and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The deal was finalized in May 2025 during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Indonesia, where he met with President Prabowo Subianto.

China imported 15.6 billion kilograms of durians worth nearly $7 billion in 2024, mostly from Thailand, which controlled 57 percent of the market, according to Chinese customs data.

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