The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), through the RI Trade Attaché in Canberra, is actively promoting Indonesian agricultural products to enter the Australian market. The RI Trade Attaché in Canberra, Agung Haris Setiawan, stated that this effort is part of the implementation of the economic relations between Indonesia and Australia following the enactment of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) in 2020. In this endeavor, the Ministry of Trade is collaborating with Indonesian company PT Energi Sterila Higiena from East Java. This collaboration aims to seek approval to become a provider of irradiation services for agricultural products to the Australian government. As the trade representative in Australia, the RI Trade Attaché affirmed readiness to assist Indonesian agricultural products in accessing international markets, especially in Australia.
Agung highlighted the significant potential of Indonesia's flagship agricultural products, citing the high demand for Indonesian agricultural products such as mangosteen in the international market. Indonesian mangosteen exports reached approximately USD 75 million in 2022. However, stringent biosecurity regulations remain a primary obstacle for Indonesia to enter the Australian market. He expressed hope that this new initiative would create opportunities for Indonesian mangosteen farmers and exporters to access broader and more potential markets in third countries. Together with PT Energi Sterila Higiena, Katalis, and the Australian Government, they are committed to strengthening the economic relationship between Indonesia and Australia, as stated by Agung. Director of the IA-CEPA Economic Cooperation Program, Katalis, Paul Bartlett, affirmed readiness to provide and facilitate any necessary needs, emphasizing their commitment to expanding market access and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in the Australian market. Australian Consul General in Surabaya, Fiona Hoggart, acknowledged that this initiative provides new opportunities for Indonesian farmers and producers to enter not only the Australian market but also other international markets.
