TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is pushing for new export markets, including to European Union, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. This endeavor is intended to maintain national growth amid global uncertainty.
The minister said expanding global markets is one of the primary strategies in responding to slowing exports and global economic dynamics.
“Government measures related to exports in this uncertain situation include opening wider markets,” he said on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Airlangga explained that the government is currently communicating with the EU to accelerate the ratification process of a trade agreement so it can proceed according to the expected timeline.
According to him, the process is still in the technical completion stage, which includes translating documents into 22 languages.
“If this can be completed, we hope that by January 1 next year, the European market can open with zero tariffs,” he said.
Hartarto added that expanding market access is expected to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian products globally.
In addition to the EU, the government is also encouraging the utilization of trade cooperation with other countries, including Canada.
Indonesia, he said, already has a free trade agreement with Canada that can be used to expand national exports.
"Uncertainty between Canada and several other countries makes Indonesia's role more prominent, which will be visible through products entering the country," he said.
Economic cooperation with the United Kingdom is also being pushed toward a free trade agreement or a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Indonesia together with ASEAN countries has been discussing strengthening regional energy and food security at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.
He said the discussions include regional responses to energy and food crises, including a Strategic Petroleum Reserve and regional food reserves.
Hartarto added that strengthening food reserves is important to address uncertainties caused by weather factors such as El Nino.
Meanwhile, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) previously reported Indonesian exports slowing down by 3.01 percent in March 2026, reaching US$22.43 billion, compared to the same period last year.
This, he said, is why the Indonesian government is working to expand export market access. The minister was optimistic that opening new markets and advancing international cooperation would maintain export performance going forward.
Read: Middle East Keen to Boost Trade with Indonesia, Says Minister
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