Ministry of Trade targets neighbouring countries as export markets for Batam SME products
The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) is targeting neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the broader Southeast Asian region as potential markets for products from Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those based in Batam, Riau Islands.
Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri stated that SME operators in Batam have significant opportunities to leverage their geographical proximity to neighbouring countries. “We certainly compete with business operators from other countries. For that reason, I have encouraged business operators to be confident in their own capabilities and remain productive and proactive in seeking market opportunities,” Dyah said following a dialogue with SME operators in Batam on Monday.
She noted that the government, through the Ministry of Trade, is present to provide mentoring to SME operators to enhance their business capacity and prepare them for export markets. “Our target at the Ministry of Trade is to enable our SMEs to export. The government is present to provide mentoring so that business operators can capitalise on these opportunities,” she stated.
Dyah assessed that Batam holds a strategic position for developing SME product exports due to its proximity to Singapore and several Southeast Asian countries. She hopes local SME products can penetrate both retail and traditional markets in neighbouring countries. “If our products can enter supermarkets or markets in Singapore, that would be a source of pride in itself. We hope that SME products from Batam can also reach there,” she said.
To support this effort, the Ministry of Trade has established the Batam Export Center, which serves as an information hub and mentoring facility for business operators seeking to enter export markets.
Mikhael Ardianto, Head of the Batam Export Center, reported that approximately 70 business operators have registered and consulted with technical staff at the centre regarding export opportunities. The operators represent diverse business sectors, ranging from food and beverages to other processed products.
“We already have a database of business operators with export potential, and most have received guidance or consultation from technical staff at the Batam Export Center,” Mikhael stated. Since its opening in August 2025, the centre has also facilitated several business matching activities between SMEs and potential foreign buyers.
However, Mikhael noted that as of now, no pioneering exporters have conducted exports through direct mentoring from the Batam Export Center. He explained that business operators are still in exploratory stages of cooperation, sending product samples, and signing memorandums of understanding with potential buyers. “Several operators have engaged in business matching and sent samples to buyers. Some have also signed MOUs, but the export process is still awaiting further developments,” he said.