RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia's Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, encouraged businesses in the manufacturing sector, including companies investing in Indonesia, to take advantage of Indonesia’s trade agreements with various partner countries. Budi made the remarks while receiving representatives from Denso Global Denso Group Indonesia (Denso) at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

“We encourage businesses in the manufacturing sector, including companies investing in Indonesia such as PT Denso Indonesia, to take advantage of Indonesia’s various trade agreements,” Budi said, as quoted in a written press release from the ministry.

The Trade Minister said the Ministry of Trade continues to strive to expand its network of international cooperation to assist local exporters. Through these various strategic partnerships, the government is committed to facilitating trade access on the global stage.

“Businesses can secure more competitive rates in the markets of their export destinations. Indonesia has 20 trade agreements that have been implemented, 15 more in the process of ratification, and 11 others currently under negotiation,” he said after the meeting.

The delegation was led by Hisashi Yanase, President Commissioner of Denso International Pte Ltd. During the meeting, Hisashi offered several suggestions to further enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness. These included streamlining administrative procedures and strengthening infrastructure to support the smooth operation of export activities.

In response, the Minister of Trade explained that his office would continue to streamline trade administration by automating the use of preferential Certificates of Origin (SKA) through the development of an electronic Certificate of Origin system (e-SKA). Through this system, businesses exporting goods to countries that have trade agreements with Indonesia will be automatically directed to take advantage of available preferential tariff facilities.

As a result, Budi said that the potential for utilizing trade agreements can be maximized. Currently, SKA automation applies to exports to the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and Pakistan.

He explained, “The system at SKA Indonesia has been automated. When businesses export to countries that have trade agreements with Indonesia, the system will automatically direct them to take advantage of preferential tariff benefits.”