Middle East War: Indonesia Targets Latin America, ASEAN to South Africa Markets

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Trade Minister Budi Santoso, known as Busan, stated that the government is targeting markets in Latin America, ASEAN, and South Africa as export destinations. This measure is being taken as a government strategy to address geopolitical turbulence resulting from the war between Israel and the United States (US) against Iran. The conflict in the Gulf region has impacted exports to several countries, leading the government to promote market diversification. Busan said that the Ministry of Trade predicts Indonesia’s exports in 2026 could decline from the previous year if the war in the Gulf region continues long-term. As a solution, the government is seeking markets in countries not affected by the war. According to him, market diversification usually requires considerable time. Amid geopolitical turmoil, some countries are struggling to obtain certain commodities from exporting nations. “If we have an opportunity there, it means we can take advantage of that opportunity well,” Busan remarked. The politician from the National Mandate Party (PAN) stated that this export market diversification will be promoted through business matching. “One of the most effective methods is actually business matching,” Busan said. He then gave an example, noting that the business matching programme initiated by the Ministry of Trade and related parties from 2025 to January 2026 has already resulted in trade contracts worth $4.57 million. This business matching involved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Can Export programme, assisted by the Ministry of Trade to access international markets.