Kendari, Feb. 21 -- A village cooperative in Southeast Sulawesi has exported 50 tonnes of coconut shell charcoal to China, the province's Deputy Governor Hugua said on Saturday.

The shipment, valued at Rp750 million (approximately US$46,300), was produced by Awunio Cooperative in South Konawe under the government's Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) program.

"This inaugural export marks a crucial milestone in strengthening the people's economy," Hugua said, adding that Awunio is the second village cooperative in Indonesia - and the first in eastern Indonesia - to conduct exports independently.

He emphasized that village cooperatives must ensure sustainable supply to overseas markets to maintain the trust of international buyers....