Govt Expands MSME Export Access to Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: The Indonesian Ministry of Trade is intensifying efforts to expand export opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Japan through business matching programs that connect Indonesian producers with Japanese retailers.

Director General of National Export Development at the ministry, Fajarini Puntodewi, said on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Jakarta that the initiative was organized in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro).

During the event, 30 Indonesian MSMEs were introduced to four major Japanese retail companies. The businesses showcased products ranging from furniture and household appliances to cosmetics, skincare, and food and beverages.

Puntodewi described business matching as a strategic effort to expand the export market for Indonesian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). She noted that Japan’s high-quality standards require Indonesian MSMEs to align their products accordingly. “This is essential for harmonizing Indonesian product standards with the Japanese market,” she said on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The program involved one-on-one meetings between MSMEs and Japanese retailers, where business owners presented their products, displayed samples, and negotiated prices directly.

Puntodewi added that Indonesia and Japan have strong potential to deepen cooperation in non-automotive sectors such as furniture, home living, wellness, body care, and beauty.

According to ministry data, Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to Japan from January to November 2025 totaled USD 14.08 billion, down 17.91 percent from the same period the previous year.

Despite the decline, trade between the two countries has shown a positive trend over the past five years, with total trade growing 9.47 percent between 2020 and 2024.

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) showed that total trade between Indonesia and Japan reached USD 29.29 billion in January-November 2025, with Indonesia recording a trade surplus of USD 2.64 billion.

Puntodewi expressed hope that the business matching program would lead to long-term, sustainable agreements. “The government encourages this cooperation to develop consistently,” she said.

Jetro Jakarta President Director Shinji Hirai praised Indonesia’s strong commitment to industrial downstreaming and said Japanese companies are actively seeking high-quality products from Indonesia. “This activity can serve as a reference for Indonesian suppliers in developing products and understanding the needs of the Japanese market,” Hirai said, adding that it could also help Japanese companies find new suppliers.

Ferdi, a representative of Sagara Group, welcomed the facilitation provided by the ministry and Jetro. “We hope this can help promote local MSME products so they can penetrate the global market,” he said.

Antin Sambodo of Jinjit Pottery expressed optimism that Indonesian handicraft products would be accepted in Japan through sustainable cooperation. “I hope our products can be marketed in Japan and meet the needs of the local market,” he said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)