Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, colloquially known as Zulhas, recently made a few remarks aimed at Malaysia, saying that durian should be considered Indonesia’s national fruit, not Malaysia’s.
This is after the Malaysian Durian Manufacturer Association (DMA) sent a formal proposal to Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for durian to be crowned the national fruit of the country and for 7 July to be declared as National Durian Day.
Zulkifli Hasan
Indonesian Minister says durian should be Indonesia’s national fruit, not Malaysia’s
Zulhas refuted such plans and was quoted by CNBC Indonesia as saying that Indonesia has a far stronger claim to make durian its national fruit.
“Indonesia produced almost 2 million tonnes of durian in 2024, according to data by Statistics Indonesia (BPS). This figure far exceeds Malaysia’s. With this fact, I reckon durian is Indonesia’s national fruit,” Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs said.
For illustration purposes
Specifically, Zulhas said that Indonesia produced 1.96 million tonnes of durian in 2024, the highest in 5 years, with the highest yield in farms in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
He added that durian is not just a commodity in Indonesia but also a culture and source of income for millions of farmers.
Zulhas stressed,
“When talking about national symbols, you should stand on data and reality. Durian Nusantara is Indonesia’s strength in Asia. Indonesia has 21 out of 27 durian species recognised globally, and up until 2024, some 114 new superior varieties are registered.”
Why Indonesia is suddenly claiming Malaysia wants to make durian its national fruit
The statement by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs comes amidst media outlets in the country claiming that Malaysia is planning to make durian its national fruit and celebrate a National Durian Day.
However, it is worth noting that the claims are based on this article by Singaporean publication The Straits Times, which merely reported on DMA’s proposal to Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
According to the report, DMA serves as a communication bridge between the Malaysian Government and durian producers in the country. Furthermore, the association sent a formal proposal on 8 September to the Ministry for durian to be made Malaysia’s national fruit and for 7 July to be declared National Durian Day.
While Agriculture Department director-general Nor Sam Alwi confirmed that the department received a formal application from DMA, submitted through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, the Ministry is currently only reviewing the matter together with relevant departments and agencies.
There are no official plans from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to make durian Malaysia’s national fruit.
For illustration purposes
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: German Fire Brigade Rushes to 2 Locations Over ‘Gas Leaks’ Reports, Turns Out It was Just Durians
