SURABAYA, 10 August 2022 – With the support of the IA-CEPA Economic Cooperation Program Katalis, a new study will soon commence to map the export potential of mangosteen from East Java to Australia or third countries. In addition to identifying opportunities and challenges along the supply chain, customs procedures and regulations related to export destination countries, the study will also explore the potential for Indonesia-Australia partnerships related to mangosteen derivatives.

Mangosteen production in East Java doubled between 2016 and 2020, placing the province as one of the largest mangosteen-producing regions in Indonesia, alongside West Java and West Sumatra. Although these achievements suggest an opportunity for increased production, there is still much work to be done to understand export capacity, potential destination markets, and challenges that may occur. Analysis and stakeholder engagement resulting from the study is expected to drive faster growth of the mangosteen industry.

“By identifying and prioritising specific opportunities for collaborations that could accelerate the exports of mangosteens and their derivatives from East Java to Australia or could leverage Australian capability to expand exports to third markets, Katalis hopes that the findings from the activity could be shared with other regions of Indonesia where mangosteens are produced and exported. Given the high proportion of women working in agriculture, efforts to strengthen mangosteen production and exports are also likely to have strongly beneficial impacts on women,” said Paul Bartlett, Director, ECP Katalis.

The export potential of the East Java mangosteen fruit was one of the topics discussed in a business forum co-hosted by Katalis and the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya (10/8), which was aimed at encouraging businesses in the region to tap into the benefits of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IA-CEPA).

In her remarks, the Australian Consul-General in Surabaya acknowledged the East Java Government’s commitment to building trade and investment links between Australia and East Java, Indonesia’s leading agricultural and industrial centre.

“This study was actually first conceptualised by East Java Deputy Governor, Dr Emil Dardak. As he said during his recent working visit to Australia, East Java province is strategically located to forge commercial partnerships with Australia across a range of sectors under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. We encourage our partners in East Java to take advantage of the IA-CEPA Economic Cooperation Program Katalis,” said Fiona Hoggart, Australian Consul-General in Surabaya.

Different from other Australian-funded programs, Katalis’s focus and objectives are to maximise commercial benefits and create greater market access for Indonesian and Australian businesses, support better market integration and develop skills to take advantage of opportunities that arise as the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery continues.