Ministry of Trade Facilitates 31 Green Economy Businesses to Access the Japanese Export Market
The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) facilitated 31 Indonesian green economy businesses in exploring business opportunities with Japanese buyers. This activity was carried out to expand access to export markets for the green economy sector.
The Director General of National Export Development (Dirjen PEN) of the Ministry of Trade, Fajarini Puntodewi, stated that this business matching was a tactical step to leverage the visit of the Japanese delegation. The activity was carried out to encourage business and investment partnerships in the circular economy sector.
“Through this facilitation, Indonesia can strengthen its position in the global supply chain based on sustainability. We are optimistic that through this collaboration, Indonesian businesses will gain greater opportunities,” said Puntodewi in Jakarta, Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
The participants came from sub-sectors including recycled products, eco-friendly goods, and environmental management services. Their involvement shows the development of the green industrial ecosystem in Indonesia.
The Secretary of the Directorate General of National Export Development (Sesditjen PEN) of the Ministry of Trade, Sugih Rahmansyah, said that this business matching was a concrete bridge for Indonesian businesses with Japanese partners. The activity was also designed to bring together local innovation with Japan’s high-tech needs.
“This business matching is a concrete bridge for Indonesian businesses to connect with Japanese partners. We encourage this meeting to produce real cooperation, both in the form of investment, trade, or technology transfer,” said Sugih.
Sugih said that Japan has advantages in technology, efficiency, and circular economy practices. Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to develop the green economy and energy transition.
According to Sugih Rahmansyah, collaboration with Japan is expected to encourage technology transfer in the green economy sector. This cooperation includes waste management and sustainable industrial practices.
“Through this collaboration, we hope that technology transfer will occur from Japan to Indonesia. We hope there will be follow-up in managing waste into energy, urban waste management systems, and sustainable industrial practices,” said Sugih.
The representative of PT Rafandra Eternal Nusantara, Elisabeth, said that the face-to-face meeting with Japanese partners provided added value compared to online forums. Her company produces natural sponges made from gambas seedling waste as an alternative to plastic sponges.
Several Japanese companies have shown interest in the product for research and development needs. The eco-friendly product has also been marketed to South Korea, Italy, and several regions in the United States through digital platforms.
“The direct meeting with prospective Japanese partners provides added value compared to previous forums which were generally held online. Several Japanese companies have shown interest, especially for research and development needs,” said Elisabeth.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Parongpong Raw Lab, Veran, said that the forum opened up opportunities for collaboration with Japanese partners. Her company processes residual waste such as used fishing nets into furniture and building materials.
Veran said that Japanese companies gave a positive response to the waste-based products offered. The presence of Japanese partners also opens up opportunities for collaboration in the environmental sector, especially marine.
“Participation in the forum facilitated by the Ministry of Trade opens up opportunities for collaboration with Japanese partners who have a high concern for environmental issues. We were impressed with the presence of various Japanese companies and the positive response to the products we offered,” said Veran.
The event, titled Business Matching Sessions Indonesia-Japan, is part of a series of The 2nd Indonesia-Japan Environment Week 2026. The event was organized in collaboration with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC).