On Monday, November 25, 2024, Trade Minister Budi Santoso officially launched the export of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) craft products worth USD 127,070 (approximately IDR 2 billion) from Bantul, Yogyakarta. The products, including baskets made from water hyacinth and marble items such as tableware, mirrors, and home décor, were exported through PT Out of Asia to several regions including the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Minister Budi emphasized that this export release showcases the significant potential of Indonesian products in global markets. "This is a reflection of Indonesia's growing presence in international trade," said Minister Budi.
Minister Budi further emphasized the Ministry of Trade's commitment to boosting exports of Indonesian products to expand their reach in the global market. This effort is driven by a synergy between the government, the public, and business actors. PT Out of Asia, a prominent exporter of handmade crafts, plays a key role as an intermediary between artisans from various regions in Indonesia and international markets. With a recorded export value of USD 8 million from January to October 2024, the company is helping to promote Indonesia’s craft industry abroad. Minister Budi also introduced three key programs aimed at strengthening Indonesia's trade performance: Domestic Market Protection, Expanding Export Markets, and the "UMKM BISA Ekspor" (SMEs Can Export) initiative, which focuses on enhancing the export capacity of MSMEs. The program includes design mentoring and showcasing the best designs at Indonesia's largest export exhibition, Trade Expo Indonesia. Minister Budi encouraged all stakeholders to contribute to Indonesia's export growth as a key part of the country’s goal for economic progress by 2045.