Trade Surplus as a "Shield", Airlangga: Expand Global Market Access
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The trade surplus that has persisted for 70 consecutive months has become one of the main pillars supporting Indonesia’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
The government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, stated that this momentum is being used to expand export market access and strengthen Indonesia’s trade position internationally.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that entering the second quarter of 2026, in addition to the trade surplus, controlled inflation and high consumer confidence are also strengthening the foundation for growth.
“Our poverty rate has decreased to 8.25%. Our Gini ratio has fallen, unemployment has also decreased. And job creation throughout 2025 was 2.71 million new workers,” Airlangga stated at a discussion forum at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
With this foundation, Airlangga is accelerating economic diplomacy through various trade agreements and strategic partnerships.
Indonesia is actively involved in several global forums such as RCEP, BRICS, and bilateral cooperation negotiations with various partner countries.
The United States is one of the main focuses due to its contribution to Indonesia’s trade surplus.
That country has consistently been the primary destination for exports of national manufactured products.
“Next with America. Why is America important? Because actually the highest positive trade balance is with America. America imports Indonesian manufactured products. Palm oil, electronics, shoes, textiles, furniture, and others. That’s what distinguishes America from other countries,” said Airlangga.
The government noted progress in trade negotiations with the US, including tariff reductions for several commodities and opportunities for tariff exemptions for thousands of Indonesian products.
This policy is expected to act as a catalyst for increasing exports, especially from labour-intensive sectors.
However, Airlangga did not deny that external challenges still loom.
The US government is conducting investigations through the Section 301 scheme, which covers issues such as overcapacity in production and labour.
“Indonesia is included in the countries involved in that process,” he explained.