RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Trade Minister Budi Santoso expressed optimism that Indonesia’s trade sector will continue to grow despite global economic challenges, noting that national trade performance remains on a positive trajectory this year.

This confidence is supported by growth in non-oil and gas exports during the first quarter of 2026. The ministry is also implementing priority programs to strengthen regional economic development.

“If we look at our non-oil and gas exports from January to March 2026, they grew by 0.98 percent compared to the same period last year. So, in fact, we can still maintain positive growth,” Minister Budi said in a statement quoted by RRI on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

He explained that the ministry is pursuing market protection programs to strengthen the position of local products in the domestic market. The government is also working to boost competitiveness so that Indonesian products can stand against imported goods.

Trade instruments such as anti-dumping and safeguard measures are being used to protect the domestic market. According to Budi, strengthening local products is key to reducing dependence on imports.

“We want our vast market to be dominated by local products. The key is that local products must be highly competitive so that we no longer need to import,” he said.

The ministry continues to expand export market access through trade cooperation with various countries. Several trade agreements are in the stages of implementation, ratification, or negotiation.

Indonesian trade representatives abroad are being tasked with promoting national products and assisting businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in accessing export markets.

“We want exports to come not only from large companies but also from SMEs. We have instructed our trade representatives to assist our businesses,” Minister Budi said.

The export assistance program for MSMEs has recorded steadily growing transaction values, with most participants being new exporters. The ministry is also mapping thousands of villages with export potential to strengthen them by developing a business ecosystem that covers the entire supply chain.

To support young entrepreneurs, the ministry is collaborating with several universities. Partnerships with business associations and modern retailers are also being established to expand market access for local products.

The Trade Expo Indonesia event is being leveraged as a platform to promote Indonesian products to international buyers. The government is also introducing promotional programs for Indonesian cuisine and spices to broaden their reach in the global market. (Gusti Panji)