Strengthening exports is essential for driving growth, creating jobs and increasing public income,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan expressed optimism about Indonesia’s economic prospects as President Prabowo Subianto’s administration approaches its second anniversary, citing a US$7.26 billion trade surplus, rising exports, and improving farmer welfare.
"Based on achievements to date and the government’s future vision, we are optimistic that trade and investment will increase, and Indonesia’s economy will continue to develop," Zulkifli stated in a statement released on Thursday.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of US$7.25 billion from January to August 2026, with total exports reaching US$193.64 billion, up 4.74 percent year-on-year.
The non-oil and gas sector generated a surplus of US$28.54 billion, offsetting a deficit of US$21.29 billion in the oil and gas sector.
Indonesia’s economy grew by 5.45 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, supporting the government’s outlook for continued economic expansion.
Zulkifli also highlighted improvements in farmer welfare, citing the national Farmer’s Terms of Trade (NTP), an indicator of farmers’ purchasing power.
The NTP reached 131.11 in September 2026, up 1.49 percent from August. BPS attributed the increase to a 1.93 percent rise in prices received by farmers, which outpaced the 0.44 percent increase in farm operating and household expenses.
The September figure was higher than the 120.70 recorded in October 2024, when Prabowo took office.
"Strengthening exports is essential for driving growth, creating jobs and increasing public income," Zulkifli said.
"In the food sector, we must enhance productivity and value-added so that trade opportunities can also benefit farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs," he added.
To sustain growth, the government is encouraging exporters to explore various non-traditional markets in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Eastern Europe, supported by industrial downstreaming and streamlined trade procedures.
The trade drive produced results on the first day of TEI 2026, with Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso announcing that 168 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth US$13.2 billion had been signed between Indonesian exporters and foreign buyers on Wednesday.
Zulkifli urged domestic businesses to maintain high production standards and ensure timely deliveries so that initial commitments could develop into long-term international trade partnerships.
Related news: Trade Expo Indonesia opens with US$13.2 billion MoUs signing: Minister
Related news: Trade Minister confident TEI will achieve US$17.5 billion target
Translator: Aria Ananda, Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026