SURABAYA, 19 April 2024 – Indonesian  mangosteens  and  mangos  are  some  of  the  best  in  the world, and Indonesian exporters could soon be able to share their delicious bounty with Australian consumers with new local irradiation services that meet strict Australian biosecurity standards. The breakthrough has  come  with  a  new government-backed initiative  to get Surabaya-based facility, PT Energi Sterila Higiena, to meet the requirements of both the Australian and Indonesian governments for fruit exports.

In April 2024, the PT Energi Sterila Higiena facility will undergo a comprehensive review from an Australian technical expert and this will be followed by technical training of facility staff in Australia. The project is supported by Katalis, a business development program set up by the Australian and Indonesian governments to help maximise the benefits of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

Paul Bartlett, Director, Katalis said, “Katalis has been working to accelerate opportunites for mangosteen and mango exports and improve irradiation of Indonesian fresh produce for export into Australia, with firm support from both governments. This activity is just the tip of what is possible, with benefits likely to reach other horticulture industries and potentially other international markets beyond Australia.”

Initiated by East Java Vice Governor 2019-2024 Dr Emil Dardak, this activity to support closer alignment with Australian biosecurity standards follows an earlier mangosteen scoping study, also supported by Katalis.

In a visit to PT Energi Sterila Higiena on Friday, 19 April, Indonesian Trade Attache in Canberra Agung Haris Setiawan said, “It’s time for more Indonesian products, including from East Java, to go international, and given its close proximity, Australia makes an obvious export destination. Exports play a direct role in driving growth and reducing poverty, and will be beneficial to the economy regionally and at the national level.”

Also present at the facility, Simon Anderson, Economic Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Jakarta, said, “What  we  see  today  here  in  Tambak  Langon  is  an  extension  of  the  benefits  of  the  IA-CEPA in   strengthening  the  offering  of  Indonesian  business  and  opening  the  potential  to  access  the Australian market. Just as the IA-CEPA improves market access, it also continues to increase two- way trade and support inclusive growth.”

Fiona Hoggart, Australian Consul-General in Surabaya, said, “This activity is a welcome step forward in building  trade  links  between  Australia  and  Indonesia,  especially  given  the  strategic  location  of the  activity in East Java. It will also have a significant impact on women, who make up half of agricultural households, in opening up new opportunities.”

After completing staff training and facility improvements, the PT Energi Sterila Higiena facility, located in  Surabaya’s  Tambak  Langon  industrial  area,  could  then  be  considered  for  registration  as  an offshore irradiation treatment provider for fresh produce by the Australian Government.

“We welcome Katalis support to implement our vision to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian export   goods   through   commercial   irradiation   services   that   are   internationally   standardised and  recognised. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders in Australia to ensure smooth progress of the activity,” said PT Energi Sterila Higiena Founder, Dahlan Iskan.

Indonesia’s mangosteens and mangos are in demand around the world.   For example, Indonesian mangosteen exports were worth around 75 million US dollars in 2022 (Statista). However, despite demand, Australia’s strict biosecurity rules have limited Indonesia’s ability to access this market. This new activity will create opportunities for Indonesia’s mangosteen and mango growers and exporters, opening up a wealth of new market propspects.

The capacity to irradiate East Javan mangosteens and mangos is expected to attract interest from leading exotic fruit producers in other provinces, including West Sumatera, West Java, and North Sumatera. If successful, it could also encourage investment in irradiation facilities and complementary areas, such as cold storage, and potential connections with Australian providers for support services and training.