RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will advance national interests by actively participating in the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, scheduled for March 26–29, 2026, in Cameroon.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized that WTO reform must be carried out immediately to ensure the multilateral trading system remains inclusive for all members.

“WTO reform strengthens the system and upholds its fundamental principles, including decision-making by consensus and special treatment for developing countries. Indonesia will also continue to push for the dispute settlement system to be restored promptly to ensure legal certainty for all members,” Minister Budi said in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Relevant ministries and agencies have prepared several strategic priority agendas. The government is focusing on fisheries subsidies and the agricultural sector to safeguard national food security.

Global rules must provide fair space for developing countries to manage food stocks, while climate change poses a serious challenge that requires government food reserve policies to remain flexible.

“Indonesia has always advocated for support for small farmers and fishermen in agricultural negotiations and fisheries subsidies. These efforts aim to create fair, effective, and sustainable rules,” Minister Budi said.

E-commerce issues are also a key focus for the Indonesian delegation. Discussions on a moratorium on import duties for electronic transmissions must take into account the digital divide among member states.

Global e-commerce policies need to support the economic development needs of developing countries. Indonesia highlighted that equal access to technology is essential to ensure the benefits of the digital economy are shared by all.

“Indonesia believes that every decision related to e-commerce must take into account development aspects and the digital divide. This is particularly crucial for developing countries,” Minister Budi said.

The Ministry’s Senior Advisor for International Relations, Johni Martha, will lead the Indonesian delegation in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The team is scheduled to participate in various bilateral meetings to strengthen Indonesia’s bargaining position in international trade. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)