The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) under the Ministry of Law is now working closely with the Ministry of Trade’s Directorate General of National Export Development to use geographical indications (GIs) as a tool to boost Indonesia’s exports. After a recent increase in GI registrations within ASEAN, DJKI plans to ensure that legal protection of these local products also translates into real economic benefits for the producing communities and regions. Hermansyah Siregar, Director General of DJKI, stressed that maximizing the use of geographical indications can add value and strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian products abroad. As of November 2025, there were 249 registered geographical indications—up from 167 earlier in the year—broadening the range of products ready for international markets.
During a January 20, 2026 meeting in Jakarta, the agencies discussed how to align intellectual property protection with export promotion strategies. One early initiative involves using the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) network to highlight GI-registered products as priority items and integrating them into the existing Desa BISA Ekspor (Village Prepared and Ready for Exports) program. Officials said this collaboration aims to connect legal protection data with export promotion plans, improving how GI products are marketed globally. Regional leaders also expressed support, emphasizing the importance of ensuring product quality, consistent production, and strong local narratives so that protected products can compete and succeed in international markets.
