Indonesia eyes $17.5bn deals at trade expo

Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, has expressed optimism that the country’s 41st Trade Expo Indonesia will surpass its $17.5bn transaction target, following the signing of 168 memoranda of understanding worth $13.2bn with buyers from 22 countries.

Prabowo, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Affairs and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, at the opening ceremony of TEI 2026 on Wednesday, attributed his confidence to the competitiveness of Indonesian products and efforts to expand access to international markets.

The exhibition, held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Tangerang, Banten, is expected to attract more international buyers and investors, boost export earnings and strengthen Indonesia’s position in global trade.

In his speech read by Lahadalia, the President recalled that the 2025 edition surpassed its target of more than $16bn, recording transactions worth $22.8bn.

I received a report from the Minister of Trade and his team that we are targeting total transactions at Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 to reach US$17.5 billion. In 2025, the target was more than US$16 billion, but the actual figure reached US$22.8 billion. I hope this target can be exceeded in 2026,” Prabowo said.

The President disclosed that 16,885 prospective buyers had registered for the exhibition, including 8,092 international buyers from 134 countries.

“I have also received a report that around 16,885 prospective buyers have registered, including 8,092 buyers from abroad representing 134 countries. I welcome our friends. Buyers and investors, welcome to Indonesia,” Prabowo said.

The 168 memoranda of understanding which will be signed is valued at 17.5bn target.

However, the agreements are commitments that require further negotiations and implementation and should not be treated as completed transactions.

The President also highlighted Indonesia’s economic performance, citing growth of 5.45 per cent in the first half of 2026, inflation below three per cent and a trade surplus of 193.6bn.

He stressed the need to ensure that international trade agreements translate into tangible economic benefits for businesses and the wider population.

Prabowo identified streamlined export procedures, access to financing, affordable insurance and stronger promotion in promising international markets as measures that could help Indonesian exporters expand their businesses.

The president said the government was prioritising higher-value exports through the processing and industrialisation of Indonesia’s natural resources.

“Currently, the government is promoting high-value-added exports through the downstreaming and industrialisation of Indonesia’s natural resources. Downstreaming is the key to increasing the added value of Indonesia’s natural resources while strengthening national economic independence,” he said.

He also called for the removal of unnecessary administrative barriers to exports, arguing that complicated procedures could impede trade expansion.

Export procedures should not be complicated. The technical considerations (Pertek) that hinder exports must be simplified immediately to promote export growth. I added that part myself,” he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, said the memoranda to be signed with buyers from 22 countries underscored the exhibition’s potential to expand the country’s export markets.

PUNCH Online reported that the Ministry of Trade disclosed during a media chat on Tuesday that TEI 2026 will feature 1,873 exhibitors, with organisers targeting 30,000 visitors.

The exhibition showcases food and beverages, agricultural produce, manufactured goods, fashion, handicrafts, furniture and home decoration, alongside industrial zones designed to attract investment.

The Indonesian government expects the event to generate fresh business opportunities, increase export earnings and deepen the country’s participation in global supply chains.

Nigeria and other West African countries are among the markets Indonesia hopes to engage through the exhibition.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, said Nigeria had consistently ranked among the top five countries in buyer attendance at previous editions of TEI.

He recalled that 109 West African participants attended the 2025 exhibition through the embassy’s facilitation, with business potential generated by participants from the region exceeding $`24m.

Suharto also disclosed that memoranda of understanding worth `$10m had been signed ahead of this year’s exhibition, while 101 participants from West Africa had arrived for TEI 2026.

“These are promising early signs of the opportunities ahead,” the ambassador said.

He added that TEI 2025 attracted 8,045 international buyers and 34,550 visitors from 131 countries, generating transactions worth $22.8bn.

The envoy urged Nigerian and other West African businesses to take advantage of the exhibition to explore Indonesian products, establish commercial contacts and develop partnerships that could strengthen trade between the two regions.

“My hope is that this year’s TEI will bring even greater success for all of you. Please make the most of your time here: meet exhibitors, explore new products, exchange ideas, and pursue opportunities that can grow into lasting business partnerships,” he said.

Suharto pledged the embassy’s support for participants seeking business connections and assistance during the exhibition, expressing hope that their participation would result in new deals and stronger economic cooperation between Indonesia and West African countries.