Southeast Sulawesi Launches Direct Export Era To China

On January 28, 2026, Southeast Sulawesi found itself at the center of Indonesia’s export spotlight, as a series of historic direct shipments—ranging from nickel and ferronickel to jellyfish—departed from its ports straight to China. For a region long overshadowed by the larger export powerhouses of Makassar, Surabaya, and Jakarta, this was more than just a logistical shift: it marked a transformative moment for local economies, industry players, and policy makers determined to keep the value of their commodities at home.

The Kendari New Port Container Terminal was abuzz as the first batch of 46 containers of nickel set sail for Lianyunggang Port, China. According to berita.kolutkab.go.id, this event was attended by Kolaka Utara’s Deputy Regent H. Jumarding, SE, alongside a host of local officials, business leaders, and representatives from Bank Indonesia, Customs, Pelindo, and both national and international companies. The excitement was palpable, with the direct export route hailed as a key milestone in Southeast Sulawesi’s ongoing mining downstreaming policy—an initiative aimed at boosting the export of value-added mineral products, especially those tied to the burgeoning electric vehicle battery sector.

"The opening of the direct nickel export route creates new opportunities for local businesses to connect with the global market," said Deputy Regent Jumarding, who underscored the local government’s commitment to help businesses meet international standards and seize these new prospects. The hope is that, with no more need to transit through distant ports, local exporters will finally reap the full benefits of global trade, fueling mineral-based industrial growth across Eastern Indonesia.

But nickel wasn’t the only commodity making waves. Over in Baubau, the city officially established itself as a direct export gateway to the world by shipping 15 tons of locally-sourced jellyfish to China via Murhum Baubau Port. For years, more than 3,000 tons of Buton Islands’ prized commodities had been exported through other regions, robbing local producers of recognition and tax incentives. As RRI.co.id reported, this direct export was a hard-won victory for local fishermen and the broader community.

Baubau’s Deputy Mayor, Wa Ode Hamsinah Bolu, captured the moment’s significance: "Today, we reverse the situation. We are no longer just fishing to eat for the day—we are fishing to meet the world’s needs." She explained that direct export means local quality assurance, better bargaining power, and the end of arbitrary downgrades by distant buyers. "If the quality is determined here by our Quarantine and Quality Center, then our tuna or seaweed can fetch Grade 1 prices. No more stories of products spoiling on the road or prices being manipulated elsewhere."

Jellyfish, chosen for its simplicity—requiring no feed and offering high economic value once it hits international markets—was just the beginning. The city now has its sights set on exporting seaweed, tapioca, crabs, lobsters, and fresh tuna, all at top quality. The direct export route, Baubau’s leaders hope, will attract investors to turn the city into a new economic base for Eastern Indonesia and motivate local communities to increase their productivity.

Meanwhile, in Kendari, Governor Andi Sumangerukka inaugurated the first direct shipment of 1,015 tons of ferronickel to China, calling it "a significant leap forward" for the region’s international trade. According to ANTARA, this move ends the era of double handling—where commodities had to be offloaded and reloaded at big ports like Makassar, Surabaya, or Jakarta, often causing the export data and associated economic benefits to be credited elsewhere. PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama led the way as the pioneering company to utilize this streamlined route, and the Governor urged other mining giants, such as Virtue Dragon, OSS, and PT Antam, to follow suit.

Terminal Petikemas Kendari’s General Manager, Herryanto, highlighted the efficiency gains: "Previously, containers from Southeast Sulawesi had to be unloaded at other ports, and the export would be recorded under Tanjung Priok or Tanjung Perak. Now, with international shipping companies coming directly to Kendari, our commodities go straight to China." Infrastructure upgrades—like 90 reefer container plug points and faster loading rates—have slashed ship port stays from three days to just sixteen hours. "This efficiency will accelerate Southeast Sulawesi’s economy by lowering operational costs and saving time," Herryanto added.

Notably, the new system isn’t just for mining. Non-mining commodities such as jellyfish and fish are now being exported directly, sidestepping the old double-handling headaches. "It was ironic that fish or nutmeg from Southeast Sulawesi would be recorded as exports from other regions just because of port issues. Now, with direct shipping, our economy will move faster," Herryanto remarked.

Baubau’s breakthrough in non-mining exports was echoed by trijayakendari.com, which detailed how the government and PT Triko Bina Nusantara kicked off the first direct export of jellyfish—four containers worth approximately Rp1.6 billion. This was coordinated with a simultaneous shipment of 47 containers from Bungkutoko Port Kendari, totaling around Rp500 billion in export value. The event showcased the region’s integrated export strategy, connecting upstream and downstream activities across Sulawesi Tenggara.

Deputy Governor Ir. Hugua, chair of the Southeast Sulawesi Export Acceleration Team, stressed the critical link between direct exports and increased regional transfer funds from the central government. Using a colorful analogy, he said, "It’s like a chicken laying eggs, but the cow gets the credit." He called on businesses to ensure their exports are both shipped and recorded from Southeast Sulawesi, so the region can reap the full economic rewards.

The journey to this point was anything but easy. It took years of coordination among provincial and city governments, business associations, customs, port authorities, quarantine and quality assurance agencies. The payoff, however, was tangible: by the end of 2025, Customs Kendari had earned a national award for the highest foreign exchange value from a first export in Indonesia. PT Triko Bina Nusantara, too, expressed gratitude for the provincial government’s full support in making direct exports a reality.

As Southeast Sulawesi steps confidently onto the global stage, the region’s leaders hope these first direct exports will spark a new era—one where local producers, not distant middlemen, claim the rewards of their labor. The ports of Kendari and Baubau are no longer just waypoints; they’re fast becoming engines of growth and pride for Eastern Indonesia.

With infrastructure in place, government backing, and communities eager to seize their moment, Southeast Sulawesi’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most profound changes begin with a single shipment—sent not just to a foreign port, but toward a new economic future.