Indonesia's Trade Attaché in Canberra, Haris Setiawan, is working to facilitate the entry of Indonesian fruit exports, including mangosteen, into the Australian market. The initiative involves collaboration with PT Energi Sterila Higiena, which has sought approval from the Australian government for irradiation services to inspect agricultural exports from Indonesia.
This effort is part of a broader commitment to strengthen economic ties between Indonesia and Australia, leveraging the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) enforced since 2020. Despite the potential of Indonesian agricultural products and a notable export value of mangosteen at around US$75 million in 2022, stringent biosecurity measures in Australia pose challenges.
The collaboration aims to overcome these barriers, enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural exports. Australian and Indonesian officials, including the Australian Consul General in Surabaya, Fiona Hoggart, and the Director of IA-CEPA ECP Katalis, Paul Bartlett, have expressed support for these efforts. Dahlan Iskan, founder of PT Energi Sterila Higiena, anticipates recognition from the Australian government for their irradiation services, following the completion of necessary evaluations.
Source: en.tempo.co