Indofair 2026 Records USD 441,000 in Transactions in Suriname

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Paramaribo, Suriname, successfully held the 22nd Indofair trade exhibition from September 25 to 27, 2026, at Sana Budaya in Paramaribo.

The event attracted more than 13,500 visitors, with transactions estimated at IDR 7.9 billion (USD 441,000) over three days. Ambassador Agus Priono expressed optimism about growing economic cooperation between Indonesia and Suriname.

“Suriname, as a gateway to the Caribbean and South America, offers promising opportunities for Indonesian business partners and investors. Our economic partnership has significant potential that has yet to be fully explored,” Agus said in a written statement received by rri.co.id Saturday, October 3, 2026.

He added that Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia's largest economies, with a market of more than 280 million people and a growing manufacturing sector. “Indonesia offers competitive products for consumers and businesses in Suriname,” he said.

Suriname's Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, Raymond Landveld, praised the event, describing it as a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and partnership between the two countries.

“Indofair is a forum for strengthening cooperation between the two countries by bringing together businesspeople, investors, innovators, and the government. This exhibition also serves as a meeting place for ideas and opportunities, as well as a means of establishing partnerships,” Landveld said.

The exhibition brought together importers of Indonesian products, artisans, and Indonesian culinary businesses in Suriname. Products on display included clothing, food, household goods, electrical products, automotive spare parts, vehicle tires, batteries, filters, fire extinguishers, water pumps, batik, and footwear.

Under the theme “Connecting Cultures, Creating Opportunities,” Indofair 2026 aimed to promote trade and meaningful commercial partnerships while showcasing Indonesian arts and culture.

The event also featured Indonesian culinary specialties and handicrafts, as well as cultural performances including kuda lumping, known locally as jaran kepang, pencak silat workshops, fashion shows, Indonesian dances and songs, wayang kulit shadow puppetry, gamelan music, comedy cabaret, keroncong music, and performances by popular Surinamese bands.

Exhibitor Kartini Wihardja said she was pleased that her clothing products were popular among Surinamese customers. Her Keraton Baru booth has participated in Indofair since the exhibition was first held. She said customers appreciated her clothing and handicrafts for their quality and designs.

“I am very happy to be able to sell my products at Indofair and meet friends and fellow community members whom I have not seen for a long time,” said Kartini, who still speaks Javanese fluently.

Indonesia and Suriname have significant potential to expand trade and investment cooperation, with Suriname serving as a strategic gateway to the Caribbean market. Indofair also supports Suriname's efforts to boost economic growth by expanding business networks.

The 2026 exhibition was part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Suriname, which was commemorated on January 24, 2026. The two countries maintain good relations. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)