KENDARI (ISL News, 24/02/2026) – The Merah Putih Awunio Village Cooperative in Kolono District, South Konawe Regency, made history by exporting 50 tons of coconut shell charcoal to China via the Kendari Container Terminal (TPK) on Saturday (21/2/2026). The official export release was carried out by the Deputy Governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Hugua.
Hugua emphasized that this initial export is concrete evidence of regional economic transformation that relies on strengthening cooperatives and the people's economy.
"This initial export should be the beginning of a sustainable approach to expanding global market access, increasing the added value of local products, and strengthening the cooperative-based people's economy," Hugua said.
The 50 tons of coconut shell charcoal shipped to China is produced by the local community, involving local businesses throughout the entire production chain. The business is managed with sustainability principles in mind, thus not only increasing the commodity's added value but also expanding the economic impact on the surrounding community.
The management of the Merah Putih Awunio Village Cooperative stated that this first shipment to China was the initial step to expanding international market penetration.
"We are committed to increasing production capacity, maintaining consistent quality, and strengthening business governance to meet global market standards and demands," said a representative of the cooperative's management.
This export success further underscores Pelindo Terminal Petikemas' strategic role, through the Kendari Terminal, in supporting international trade connectivity. Adequate terminal facilities and fast and efficient operational services are key factors in ensuring smooth commodity shipments to their destination countries.
Terminal Head TPK Kendari, Herryanto, stated his party's readiness to support the increase in export and import flows in Southeast Sulawesi.
"We are ready to support all export and import activities with adequate terminal facilities and equipment, as well as efficient operational services. The success of this first export is a motivation for us to continue improving the quality of our services to support regional economic growth," he said.
Pelindo Terminal Petikemas views this achievement as a positive first step in boosting export volumes from Southeast Sulawesi. The synergy between cooperatives, local governments, and terminal operators is expected to strengthen TPK Kendari's position as a regional export-import gateway while simultaneously stimulating economic growth.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom SPTP).
