Indonesian Herbal Products Secure IDR 2.5 Billion Business Deal with Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Trade announced that Indonesian herbal products have secured a business deal for an initial shipment to Saudi Arabia valued at IDR 2.5 billion. The business agreement was formalised through the signing of a Letter of Agreement between Indonesia’s PT Dami Sariwana and its partner, Al Itholah Trading from Saudi Arabia. “This success is the result of synergy between business actors, the Ministry of Trade, and Indonesian trade representatives abroad in opening market access. We hope this initial shipment agreement opens wide opportunities to increase exports of Indonesian herbal products to the Middle East,” said Fajarini Puntodewi, Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, in a statement in Jakarta on Friday. Meanwhile, Bagas Haryotejo, Head of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Jeddah, said the rising trend of healthy lifestyles in Saudi Arabia is a positive catalyst for the entry of Indonesian herbal products. To ensure business sustainability, ITPC Jeddah implemented preventive measures in the form of in-depth verification of the credibility of Indonesian herbal product importers in Saudi Arabia before the signing ceremony. “This preventive step is important to ensure the credibility of business partners and provide a sense of security for Indonesian exporters,” Bagas said. The scope of the trade deal covers three types of superior herbal products: male vitality supplements, blood sugar-lowering supplements, and body slimming products. In the initial stage of cooperation, the first shipment to Saudi Arabia will consist of one container scheduled to depart in July, after meeting the standards of the local food and drug authority, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). The cooperation is expected to further strengthen the positive trade trend between the two countries, particularly in the non-oil and gas sector. In January-April 2026, total non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia was recorded at USD 1.02 billion. Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to USD 675.80 million, while non-oil and gas imports from Saudi Arabia stood at USD 345.90 million. Indonesia recorded a non-oil and gas surplus against Saudi Arabia of USD 329.90 million. Meanwhile, in 2025, total non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached USD 3.94 billion. Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to Saudi Arabia dominated at USD 2.88 billion, compared to non-oil and gas imports from Saudi Arabia of USD 1.06 billion. Thus, Indonesia successfully recorded a non-oil and gas surplus of USD 1.82 billion against Saudi Arabia.