Indonesia has pushed back firmly against Malaysia’s proposal to declare durian as its national fruit, with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), insisting that Indonesia has stronger historical, cultural, and agricultural grounds to claim the fruit.
Speaking to local media, Zulhas said Indonesia’s foundation for making durian a national symbol is “far more solid and legitimate” than Malaysia’s, as the fruit has long been part of Indonesia’s heritage and agricultural identity.
Indonesia produces nearly 2 million tonnes of durian annually
Citing official data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Zulhas highlighted that Indonesia produced almost 2 million tonnes of durian in 2024, significantly exceeding Malaysia’s output.
Based on these facts, I believe Durian is Indonesia’s National Fruit,” he said, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.
He added that Indonesia’s durian production—1.96 million tonnes in 2024—is the highest in the last five years, with major production hubs across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
Malaysia has export value, but Indonesia dominates volume and diversity
Zulhas acknowledged Malaysia’s achievements in premium durian exports, especially with high-value varieties like Musang King.
However, he stressed that Indonesia’s advantage lies in both quantity and biodiversity.
According to Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia is home to 21 out of the world’s 27 identified durian species. By 2024, the country had also registered around 114 new superior durian varieties, strengthening its claim over the fruit’s cultural and biological roots.
“Durian is not just a commodity. It is culture and a source of livelihood for millions of farmers,” Zulhas said, adding that a national symbol must be grounded in data, history, and reality.
Indonesia to strengthen ‘Durian Nusantara’ branding
To solidify its position, the Indonesian government plans to promote the “Durian Nusantara” identity globally. This includes improving production standards and expanding exports of processed durian products to international markets.
Malaysia proposes durian as national fruit, seeks National Durian Day
Meanwhile, Malaysia is exploring the idea of declaring durian as its national fruit.
The Durian Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (DMA) has officially submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
DMA also proposed 7 July to be recognised as National Durian Day.
Durian is not just any fruit. It is part of our national identity,” said DMA president Eric Chan, as quoted by The Straits Times.
