MAKASSAR, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian South Sulawesi Province has recently highlighted its impressive economic performance with a remarkable export output across several key sectors.

The provincial government, in partnership with various institutions, has successfully launched initiatives to promote local products on the global stage. This effort has resulted in the export of a diverse range of goods, including cocoa beans, coffee beans, nutmeg, cloves, marine products, and nickel. In total, 27 local products from South Sulawesi have been exported to 23 countries.

The export volume approached 139,000 tons, with the total export value surpassing 67 million US dollars, or approximately 1.28 trillion Indonesian Rupiah.

This achievement underscores South Sulawesi’s substantial contribution to the national economy through its robust export performance.

Additionally, the province has maintained a favorable trade balance, with a trade surplus of 390.86 million US dollars (around 6.4 trillion Indonesian Rupiah) from January to May 2024. This surplus highlights a consistent trend where export values exceed those of imports, positively impacting the local economy.

In May 2024, key export commodities included nickel, iron and steel, mineral fuels, oil seeds, as well as resins, gums, and other plant-based products. Nickel, in particular, dominated the export value, followed by iron and steel.

Luwu Raya, a region within South Sulawesi, presents significant economic potential across various sectors. Agriculture and plantations thrive, producing staple crops such as rice, maize, coffee, and cocoa. The palm oil sector is also expanding, offering prospects for increased production and export opportunities.

Luwu Raya encompassing approximately 22,000 square kilometers. This is roughly comparable in size to the state of New Jersey in the USA, which covers around 22,600 square kilometers.