RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized the importance of business-to-business (B2B) communication among businesses for both trade and investment activities. He appreciated the presence of the Asian Trade, Tourism, and Economics Council (ATTEC) as a collaborative forum that also strengthens Indonesian exports.

Minister Busan conveyed this message during the inauguration of the ATTEC Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, 19 January 19 2026. Budi Santoso stated that ATTEC's presence can serve as a practical platform to connect businesses, facilitate investment flows, and expedite export realization, particularly between Indonesia and other Asian nations. He hopes that the ATTEC office in Jakarta can become a strategic location for organizing sustainable business matching events.

"Business communication among entrepreneurs strongly supports the success of intergovernmental communication. ATTEC exists as a forum that makes it easier for businesses to directly find partners, both for export and investment," he said.

The inauguration was attended by ATTEC General Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah; ASEAN-Korea Business Centre President Moon Ki Bong; Mandiri Bank Deputy Main Director Hendry Panjaitan; and Head of the Jakarta Provincial Office for Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Elisabeth Ratu Rante Allo. Also accompanying Minister Busan were Secretary-General Isy Karim, Director-General of National Export Development Fajarini Puntodewi, and Director-General of Domestic Trade Iqbal S. Shofwan.

Regarding investment, Budi Santoso conveyed that perceptions of Indonesia have often centered on a lack of understanding and suboptimal communication flow. However, according to him, business and investment activities in Indonesia are relatively easy in terms of regulations.

"We hope the presence of a forum like ATTEC can be a means to provide clear information to investors. Additionally, it can also help businesses understand the investment mechanisms in Indonesia," he added.

On the other hand, Budihardjo Iduansjah revealed that one of the main challenges for foreign investors has been limited understanding of regulations, language, and licensing procedures in Indonesia. To address these challenges, ATTEC serves as a mentoring forum that bridges communication between foreign businesses, associations, and the government. Through ATTEC, businesses will be facilitated in the legality and licensing processes so that investment and trade activities run according to applicable regulations.

"Through ATTEC, Indonesia will bring and champion the best national interests in the Asian region. Indonesia's Golden 2045 is a strategic momentum and a major opportunity for international partners to invest and collaborate in supporting national economic growth," Budihardjo explained.

Meanwhile, Moon Ki-bong assessed that the inauguration of the ATTEC headquarters is a momentum to strengthen business connectivity in the Asian region. According to him, ATTEC plays an effective connecting role between Asian businesses and Indonesia. The existence of this new headquarters will open wider opportunities for collaboration in investment, trade, and tourism between Indonesia and Asian countries, including South Korea.

ATTEC is a regional organization that serves as a cross-country business cooperation platform in the Asian region. ATTEC is focused on facilitating collaboration among businesses, enhancing trade and investment, and strengthening Asia's economic competitiveness globally. Through a strategic network connecting the business world, investors, and cross-sectoral stakeholders, this organization aims to build a sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial partnership ecosystem in driving regional economic growth.