Govt Aligns Java-Sumatra Export Development Programs

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia officially aligned region-based export development programs for the Java and Sumatra areas to boost the competitiveness of local commodities in the global market. This strategic step was discussed in a coordination forum held online in Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The forum, attended by around 250 participants from regional trade offices and business entities, aimed to map out the specific potentials and needs of each region. This alignment is expected to resolve key obstacles that have historically hindered regional featured products from entering foreign markets.

Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, Fajarini Puntodewi, opened the forum directly and emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments. Proper guidance for business players is key to ensuring local products meet international qualification standards.

“Every region has different features as well as unique challenges. Therefore, we need to align export development programs with regional needs and together unbind the bottlenecks that have been obstacles so far,” Puntodewi stated.

To support the smooth flow of goods into world markets, the Ministry of Trade provides a comprehensive package of programs ranging from capacity building and product development to trade promotion access. Secretary of the Directorate General of National Export Development, Sugih Rahmansyah, added that this two-way forum was specifically designed to listen directly to input from local industry players.

“We are not just delivering programs, but we want to hear the needs and challenges directly from the regions. We need to listen to input from both regional governments and business players,” Sugih said.

Several business representatives from Sumatra, such as PT Senarai Harta Indo Loka and PT Asya Syila Nusantara, also shared insights regarding preparations for international exhibitions like Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026. This forum for Java and Sumatra completes a series of national coordination events previously held for Kalimantan, Bali–Nusa Tenggara, and eastern Indonesia.