In Q1 of 2025, the Directorate General of Horticulture of the Ministry of Agriculture reported a 49% increase in horticultural exports compared to the same period in 2024. This figure indicates that the government's strategy of reducing imports while boosting exports is beginning to yield positive results. Minister of Trade Budi Santoso emphasised that this surge in exports was the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman views this accomplishment as a testament that field strategies are more important than lengthy meetings, with imports reduced to IDR 100 trillion and exports expanded, positioning agriculture back on the right track. To maintain this positive trend, it is essential to focus on the three key pillars of downstreaming, quality improvement, and market diversification.
Data from the Indonesia Statistics (BPS) shows that annual fruit exports reached USD 547.3 million in January 2025 and exceeded USD 586.9 million in June of the same year. Vegetable exports also strengthened, rising from USD 168.9 million in January to USD 219.3 million in June. Despite monthly fluctuations, the graph clearly shows an increasing trend. Tropical fruits (mangosteen, bananas, and pineapples) remain the most popular, while fresh vegetables are gaining ground in the regional market. On an annual basis, the value of agricultural exports for the January-June 2025 period reached USD 3.39 billion or approximately IDR 55 trillion, representing a 49% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which was valued at USD 2.262 million. From the horticulture sub-sector, annual fruits increased significantly from USD 250.6 million to USD 403.8 million, while vegetables also rose from USD 64.4 million to USD 151.2 million. The coffee sector experienced a significant increase in revenue, growing from USD 469.8 million to USD 1,113.8 million, thereby becoming the primary contributor to overall growth. The value of medicinal plants and spices increased from USD 194.9 million to USD 308 million. However, commodities such as tobacco and swallow's nest experienced downturns.
