In response to the anticipated decline in exports, the Indonesian government is proactively taking measures to mitigate potential challenges. Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono, revealed that the government is mapping out non-traditional export destinations in collaboration with the business sector, identifying at least 12 potentially promising countries. These include nations in Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Given the expected global economic slowdown, Susiwijono stressed the need for extra efforts to boost exports, emphasizing the importance of diversifying export markets. Furthermore, the government is determined to delve deeper into existing trade collaborations, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and active partnerships with OECD member countries. Susiwijono highlighted the ongoing effort to identify reachable markets for Indonesian exports. This strategic move aligns with the establishment of the Export Enhancement Task Force, following the Presidential Decree No. 24 of 2023. Meetings have been conducted with ministries, agencies, business associations such as the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), and the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo).
Susiwijono mentioned that these discussions have set a target for mid-February 2024, with the Head of the Export Enhancement Task Force being Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. Traditionally, major export destinations for Indonesia include China, the United States (US), Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The government's proactive stance aims to adapt to changing global trade dynamics, ensuring sustained export growth and economic resilience in the face of potential challenges.
