Momentum of the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia Drives Exports and Enhances Product Competitiveness

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026, Indonesia's largest international trade exhibition, organized by Debindo (PT Debindomulti Adhiswasti), officially opened on Wednesday, 14 October, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City, Tangerang Regency, Banten. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade under the theme "The Ultimate Hub for Global Sourcing," the exhibition runs from 14 to 18 October 2026.

Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, Bahlil Lahadalia, officially opened TEI 2026 on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto. In his remarks, Minister Bahlil emphasized that optimal management of natural resources is a strategic step toward positioning Indonesia as an advanced nation. The Government continues to promote downstreaming and industrialization to increase the added value of Indonesia's natural resources while strengthening national economic resilience.

"The Government is promoting high value-added exports through the downstreaming and industrialization of natural resources. Downstreaming is key to increasing the added value of Indonesia's natural resources while strengthening national economic self-reliance," said Coordinating Minister Bahlil.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso noted the strong enthusiasm of international buyers and exhibition visitors for TEI 2026. As of the opening day, buyers from 134 countries and 1,873 exhibitors had registered. This year, TEI 2026 targets 30,000 visitors and potential transactions worth USD 17.5 billion. Minister Budi also announced that 168 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Indonesian exporters and buyers from 22 countries would be signed on the first day of the exhibition.

Minister Budi explained that TEI is one of the Ministry of Trade's key programs to expand export opportunities by connecting Indonesian businesses with prospective international buyers. The exhibition showcases a wide range of Indonesia's leading products, including food and beverages, agriculture, manufacturing, fashion and crafts, furniture and home décor, as well as industrial estates to attract investor interest.

The organization of TEI 2026 aligns with the Ministry of Trade's three priority programs: Securing the Domestic Market, Expanding Export Markets, and From Local to Global. These programs are designed to strengthen the competitiveness of local products, broaden access to international markets, and encourage more Indonesian businesses to enter export markets.

"In line with the President's directives, we continue to conduct trade negotiations with various countries and regions to open export markets. To date, 25 trade agreements have been implemented, while 13 agreements are currently under negotiation. These efforts form part of the 'Two Years of Real Action' national transformation agenda under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto," said Minister Budi.

Under the From Local to Global program, the Ministry of Trade continues to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in entering export markets. One key initiative is facilitating business matching between MSMEs and prospective international buyers. This facilitation is supported by 46 Indonesian trade representative offices in 33 countries, comprising Indonesian Trade Attachés, Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers (ITPCs), the Indonesian Trade Consul in Hong Kong, the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei, and the Indonesian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"We are also facilitating exports through the Desa BISA Ekspor (Innovative and Adaptive Export-Ready Villages) program, which has identified numerous potential village products for development and entry into export markets. In addition, we are fostering partnerships between MSMEs and domestic retailers so that local products increasingly dominate the domestic market," Minister Budi stated.

The Ministry of Trade is also cultivating entrepreneurial spirit among young people through the Campuspreneur program. The program provides university students with opportunities to learn about and develop businesses, including becoming exporters. "We are encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs, including by helping students recognize their potential as exporters. To date, we have established partnerships with 25 universities across Indonesia," added Minister Budi.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, highlighted the growing export opportunities for Indonesia in non-traditional markets, particularly in South Asia and Africa. "Our markets are expanding into new partner countries with remarkable potential, especially South Asia, which is experiencing the highest growth. These include Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. We are also entering Africa," said Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

As part of the TEI 2026 opening ceremony, Minister Budi also presented several awards. First, the Primaniyarta Award was given to outstanding exporters and regional heads who have contributed to increasing national exports. Second, the Primaduta Award recognized international partners, members of the diaspora, and heads of Indonesian representative offices abroad who have actively promoted Indonesian products. The Ministry of Trade will also present the Campuspreneur Award to students achieving the highest transaction value during TEI 2026.

TEI 2026 is supported by Pertamina as Strategic Partner, Bank Mandiri as Bank Partner, and the Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan (BPDP) as Event Partner. The 41st TEI is also supported by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) and the Indonesia Eximbank (LPEI). 

PR Newswire is the Official Media Partner of Trade Expo Indonesia 2026.