Indonesia Taps Diaspora in Taiwan to Boost Export Ecosystem

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei has launched a strategic initiative to integrate the Indonesian diaspora in Taiwan into the country’s export ecosystem. 

The effort was unveiled during a workshop earlier this week, aimed at transforming diaspora members into active exporters and business partners for Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The workshop, titled “Realizing the Dream of Becoming an Exporter of Indonesian Products in Taiwan”, brought together 110 participants and 24 MSME owners from the food, fashion, and craft sectors. 

By fostering direct interaction, KDEI seeks to leverage local knowledge and networks as a gateway for Indonesian products to enter the Taiwan market.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and the Easy Export Academy (AME), the event was opened virtually by Director General of National Export Development, Fajarini Puntodewi. She expressed hope that the participants’ enthusiasm would translate into active involvement in the “MSMEs Can Export” movement.

“This activity not only connects MSMEs with potential buyers but also creates opportunities for the Indonesian diaspora to join the export ecosystem,” Head of KDEI Taipei, Arif Sulistiyo, said in a statement on the office’s official website. 

He emphasized that the workshop was designed to provide technical export knowledge while building the entrepreneurial confidence needed for diaspora members to step up as exporters.

Founder of AME, Fernanda Reza, welcomed the collaboration with KDEI Taipei, noting its potential to strengthen both diaspora networks and MSME participation. 

“This workshop serves as a platform to expand diaspora connections with Indonesian MSMEs, exchange ideas on starting businesses, and enable the diaspora to become part of the Indonesian export chain,” Fernanda said.

Workshop speaker Zahra Margautami highlighted the diaspora’s unique advantages, including local experience, networking, and language skills, assets she described as critical for building future businesses and integrating Indonesian products into Taiwan’s export market.

Participant enthusiasm was evident throughout the event, with many raising technical questions about how to become exporters. Ismail, one of the attendees, said he was pleased to meet Indonesian entrepreneurs and exchange experiences. 

“This workshop not only builds networks to open export opportunities but also gives the diaspora confidence to start businesses,” he noted, adding that such initiatives should continue to provide valuable insights and strengthen ties between diaspora members and Indonesian MSMEs. ***