RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Increasing global trade competition is driving Indonesia to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection for local products. This step is considered crucial for maintaining the economic value of products while boosting export competitiveness.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said that IP protection is the foundation for ensuring that Indonesian products have added value and legal certainty in international markets. Therefore, the ministry continues to accelerate the commercialization of IP for national flagship products.

Minister Budi noted that from an international trade perspective, every product must not only be of high quality but also have IP protection.

“That is why, in every Indonesian negotiation with other countries, IP is always a key concern because we must protect national assets, both in the domestic and global markets,” Minister Budi said during the 2026 Indonesian National Intellectual Property Coordination Forum in Jakarta on Thursday, August 6, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Minister Budi said, IP does more than increase a product’s value. “IP must be leveraged to create jobs, boost export competitiveness, and foster prosperity,” he assured.

The Ministry is implementing various programs to connect innovation with the market by downstream processing and commercializing IP. These efforts include trade promotion, business matching, online marketplaces, export facilitation, and strengthening Indonesian product brands.

“Indonesian products must not only be of high quality but must also have a legally protected identity, both in terms of trademarks and patents. Currently, trademarks are even placed in a very important position in export transactions, promotions, and negotiations,” said Minister Budi.

In addition to strengthening legal protection through market oversight and regulatory enforcement, the ministry is implementing a Risk‑Based Approach (RBA) for commodities such as fashion, cosmetics, and electronics.

“We are also integrating real‑time IP infringement intelligence data and monitoring e‑commerce (PMSE) with a rapid takedown mechanism for illegal advertisements and products,” Minister Budi said.

The ministry is further optimizing the growth of national franchises under Government Regulation No. 35/2024. To date, 154 local franchise brands have generated more than 485,000 jobs.

To enhance brand protection abroad, the ministry will establish an Export IP Desk through Indonesia’s 46 trade representatives in 33 countries. Indonesia also continues to participate in the WTO’s Trade‑Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement to strengthen local IP protection in global markets. ***