Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, affirmed that the Strategic Commodities Bill will serve as a unified legal foundation for formulating policies related to the governance of key commodities. The regulation aims to harmonize sectoral rules and provide an integrated framework covering downstream development, export, and import activities. During a Working Meeting with the House of Representatives’ Legislative Body, the minister emphasized that the bill will offer clear national guidelines for ministries and institutions in managing crucial commodities, supported by cross-ministerial coordination already practiced in areas such as import approvals for rice, corn, fish, and garlic through the National Commodity Balance mechanism.
He added that all potential export products, including strategic commodities, will continue to be promoted globally through Indonesia’s trade representatives. The minister also noted that coordinated policy formulation is essential when negotiating international trade agreements, as national positions are established collectively across ministries. The bill is expected to strengthen governance without creating new institutions, instead enhancing the mandates of existing units. Lawmakers welcomed this approach, highlighting that the legislation supports President Prabowo’s ambition for national food self-sufficiency and reinforces efforts to maintain price stability and secure essential supplies—key pillars of food security and public welfare.
