RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government is moving to strengthen Indonesia’s natural rubber commodity through tighter quality standards and improved export governance as global environmental requirements become stricter. The policy is intended to maintain Indonesia’s competitiveness, particularly in the European market.

The Trade Ministry's Director General for Consumer Protection and Trade Order, Moga Simatupang, said the strategy includes the implementation of Trade Minister Regulation No. 1 of 2026, which focuses on improving the quality and traceability of Indonesian natural rubber products. The government continuously bolsters coordination across ministries and industry stakeholders to respond to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

As quoted from the ministry's press release on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Indonesia was the world’s third-largest natural rubber exporter in 2025 after Thailand and Côte d’Ivoire. The country recorded natural rubber exports valued at USD 2.97 billion, representing 17 percent of global exports.

The ministry stated that the commodity contributed 1.05 percent to Indonesia’s total export foreign exchange revenue. The government considers the sector important for maintaining export performance and supporting national trade resilience.

In addition, Moga Simatupang, conveyed that the regulation was designed to boost the international standing of Indonesian rubber products while simplifying export procedures. “First, strengthening global reputation through superior international quality standards. Second, simplifying bureaucracy through the integration of export licensing into the Inatrade System. Third, improving governance efficiency that provides legal certainty, time efficiency, and more measurable government supervision,” Moga said.

Event, the government is also preparing the domestic rubber industry for sustainability standards under EUDR, which requires products entering the European Union market to be free from deforestation practices. Efforts include strengthening geolocation databases, cultivation registration systems, certification mechanisms, and trade diplomacy.

According to the ministry, global sustainability standards should be viewed as an opportunity to improve the value and credibility of Indonesian rubber products in international markets. The government is coordinating with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Industry Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Indonesian Rubber Association (GAPKINDO) to support the transition.

GAPKINDO said the government’s measures could help Indonesian rubber remain competitive in export destinations, particularly in Europe. The association also stated that clearer regulations and adaptation strategies are important to maintain market acceptance under evolving global trade requirements.