Jakarta, February 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, has expressed confidence in the nation’s economic and trade growth, citing a trade surplus for 56 consecutive months as a strong indicator of resilience and stability.
“Amid global challenges that are becoming increasingly complex and multidimensional, Indonesia’s trade balance continues to record a monthly surplus, which has persisted since May 2020,” Santoso stated at a CEO gathering organized by the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) in Jakarta on Monday.
During the event, the minister called on business leaders to support key programs initiated by the Ministry of Trade. These programs focus on securing the domestic market, expanding exports, and increasing the number of export-oriented micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
As part of efforts to protect the domestic market, the ministry is formulating export and import policies aimed at fostering a conducive business environment, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products while ensuring the protection of local industries.
Regarding export market expansion, Santoso highlighted policies that seek to open market access and reduce trade barriers through the completion of trade agreement negotiations. Currently, Indonesia has implemented 19 trade agreements, signed or ratified 10 others, is negotiating 16 agreements, and is processing six additional agreements outside of free trade and comprehensive economic partnership frameworks.
To further promote export-oriented MSMEs, the Ministry of Trade has launched various initiatives, including product development and business expansion strategies. Additionally, the ministry is actively facilitating MSME exports through business matching programs. In January 2025 alone, 72 business matching events were conducted, yielding transactions worth USD 5.22 million.
Santoso reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s economic resilience by continuously enhancing trade policies and fostering a robust business environment.
