Indonesia Fights for WTO Reform in Cameroon

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia will push for reform at the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (KTM) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The conference is scheduled on March 26–29, 2026.

In an official statement received on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, stated that Indonesia will prioritize the agenda to ensure the global trading system remains fair and inclusive for developing countries. According to him, reform is an important step to restore the dispute resolution system for legal certainty between members.

“WTO reform can foster the system and uphold its fundamental principles, including decision-making by consensus and special and differential treatment for developing countries. Indonesia will also continue to push for the prompt restoration of the dispute settlement system to ensure legal certainty for all members,” Trade Minister said.

In addition, Indonesia is focused on pushing for fair regulations in the fisheries, agriculture, and digital trade subsidy sectors to maintain domestic food security. This effort is expected to provide space for small-scale farmers and fishermen to remain empowered amidst global climate change.

Budi stated, “Indonesia has always advocated for support for small-scale farmers and fishermen in agricultural negotiations and fisheries subsidy discussions, primarily to ensure the creation of fair, effective, and sustainable regulations.”

Furthermore, regarding digital trade, Indonesia emphasized the importance of comprehensive discussions on the future of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission (CDET) and the continuation of the Work Programme on E-Commerce at the WTO. Budi believes that any global policy in the field of e-commerce must take into account the digital divide and the development needs of developing countries.

“Indonesia believes that every decision regarding e-commerce must take into account development aspects and the digital divide, particularly for developing countries,” he said.

The Indonesian delegation to the WTO forum will be led by Senior Advisor for International Relations at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, Johni Martha. In addition to attending the main session, the Indonesian delegation is scheduled to participate in a number of ministerial-level meetings, coordination meetings of developing countries, bilateral meetings, and various other supporting agendas to strengthen Indonesia’s position in international trade negotiations.