Ministry of Trade Establishes Export Center in Batam to Support SMEs in Breaking into Export Markets

BATAM — Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has established an Export Center in Batam, Riau Islands, to guide micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing export markets.

Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri said the Export Center represents a government initiative to strengthen the capacity of export-oriented SMEs. “We see SME entrepreneurs possess strong export ambitions. Whilst the Export Center only opened in 2025, business enthusiasm is remarkably high,” Dyah said during dialogue with SME operators at Batam’s Public Service Mall (Mal Pelayanan Publik, MPP) on Monday.

Through the Export Center, SME operators can receive guidance on understanding global market opportunities and accessing various export-related facilities. The service helps map which entrepreneurs are genuinely prepared to enter international markets, assessing their production readiness, business capacity, and operational sustainability.

“We will filter which SMEs are truly ready for exports. This means their production, capacity, and supply continuity must be adequate to meet foreign market demand,” she explained.

The Deputy Minister noted that the Ministry of Trade maintains a network of trade attachés in 33 countries capable of facilitating market access for Indonesian SME products. Batam’s strategic location—proximate to Singapore, Johor, and other Southeast Asian nations—makes it an ideal hub for export operations.

“Batam has an exceptionally strategic location. We are pleased to see local government also encouraging SMEs towards export orientation given its proximity to Singapore, Johor, and ASEAN countries,” she stated.

The ministry hopes the facility will be fully utilised by SME operators to obtain information regarding export market potential, international trade agreements, and business opportunities across various countries.

The Export Center commenced operations in August 2025 following an official inauguration by Trade Minister Budi Santoso. The facility operates at MPP Batam on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time).