Kendari (ANTARA) – 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.Hugua also highlighted the development as part of growth in Southeast Sulawesi's non-mining sector. He cited data showing the province's non-mining exports reached Rp11.1 billion in 2024 and increased to Rp16.37 billion (nearly US$1 million) in 2025.The figure rose further to Rp35 billion during the January–February 2026 period.”We recorded a significant increase, equivalent to 113.8 percent of the total 2025 figure within the first two months of this year,” he said.Awunio head Dadang attributed the export success to villagers' efforts to optimize local resources for global markets.”The presence of the KDMP has encouraged residents to expand their businesses,” he said.The KDMP program is a key initiative introduced by President Prabowo Subianto to promote rural-based economic development, improve access to essential goods and services, and reduce reliance on informal lenders and middlemen.Prabowo inaugurated around 80,000 village cooperatives nationwide in July 2025, followed by the development of supporting facilities such as management offices, pharmacies, retail outlets, warehouses, and clinics.Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono said on February 18 that construction had been completed for about 1,000 cooperatives. The government aims to increase the number to more than 20,000 by midyear and 80,000 by the end of 2026.