RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - For many Indonesians, a meal feels incomplete without sambal, the country’s iconic chili-based condiment. Beyond its distinctive flavor, sambal has also emerged as a promising economic product with growing potential in the international market.

According to information published on the official website of Indonesia’s Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in Jakarta on Tuesday 4 August 2026 the country’s seasoning and sauce sector has shown significant economic potential. GlobalData reported that the market value of Indonesia’s seasoning and sauce sector reached around US$3.4 billion in 2019, reflecting strong demand for locally produced food products.

Indonesia’s sambal has not only gained popularity domestically but has also begun making its way into international markets. Since 2013, sambal has become one of Indonesia’s promising export commodities, showing significant growth in global demand.

In that year, Indonesia’s sambal exports reached around 350 tons, representing a 197 percent increase compared to the previous year. One of the products that attracted international attention was sambal pecel, which generated foreign exchange earnings of approximately US$1.6 million, or around Rp17.5 billion.

Global interest in Indonesian sambal was also reflected during the 36th Trade Expo Indonesia Digital Edition (TEI-DE) held in October 2021. During the trade exhibition, sambal became one of the products contributing to international business transactions.

Besides sambal, other Indonesian products such as coffee and coconut milk also attracted interest from global buyers. These commodities highlight the growing opportunities for Indonesian processed food products to compete in international markets.

Overall, the 36th Trade Expo Indonesia Digital Edition recorded total transactions worth US$3.99 billion, equivalent to around Rp57 trillion. The achievement demonstrated the increasing appeal of Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) products among international consumers.

With its growing global recognition, sambal is no longer merely a traditional accompaniment to Indonesian cuisine but has developed into a high-value economic commodity. Its success in entering export markets proves that Indonesia’s culinary heritage has significant potential to expand globally while strengthening the competitiveness of local MSME products.