President Launches 'Fruit Eating Habit'

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) launched "Fruit Eating Habit" in the framework of Fruit Indonesia Festival 2016 at East Senayan Parking Area here on Thursday.

Held from November 17 to 20, the Fruit Indonesia Festival 2016, is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB).

The festival is part of the government's effort to encourage the competitiveness of the tropical fruits of the country, both at national and international levels.

"It is time for Indonesia to show its superiority, both at national and international levels, on increased consumption of fruits from around the world," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution said during the familiarization of the festival.

Meanwhile, IPB Rector Herry Suhardiyanto remarked that the festival was part of the government's efforts to introduce superior fruits with export potential to attract international buyers.

Oranges ranging in color from flame to dark green, mangoes of more than 10 varieties, several kinds of bananas, pineapples, melons and mandarins, the pearly mangosteen, the aromatic Durian and many more fruits are found throughout Indonesia.

There are wonderful varieties of delicious fruits found in Indonesia. Much of it is seasonal, while other fruits are available throughout the year.

Many of the varieties of fruits, that people are familiar with, are also found in Jakarta supermarkets, either imported from other countries or local varieties of the same fruits.

The most common and cheap fruits in Indonesia are the bananas of wide varieties.

Indonesia also has many varieties of citrus fruits (jeruk). The largest is jeruk Bali, pomelo or shaddock, which is a seasonal fruit.

It is larger than a grapefruit and has a green skin and a thick whitish membrane, which is peeled or cut off to expose segments of pink or yellowish pulp.

Jeruk manis is the Indonesian version of an orange, but the outer skin is green when the fruit is ripe. They are best for juicing. (WDY)