One of the reasons for the soaring performance of Indonesia's exports is the opening of market access to several non-traditional export destinations. Chairman of the Trade Division of the Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) Benny Soetrisno conveyed this, Wednesday (6/10). "The Ministry of Trade has opened export market access to several non-traditional countries, including Africa, Central Europe and South America, resulting in a surge in exports," said Benny as quoted by the Antara news agency. Therefore, Benny said that the economic cooperation sought by the Ministry of Trade in the form of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and Preferential Trade Area (PTA), was very significant in boosting sales of Indonesian products to various countries.

Regarding the improvement in the trade sector in Indonesia, Benny explained that the current surge in trade is directly proportional to the decline in COVID-19 cases, which is also being pursued by the government. "The surge in trade is directly proportional to the decrease in the spread of COVID-19, which can be seen through the level of implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) which is decreasing, resulting in an easing of restrictions on mobility or community activities," said Benny. According to him, the government's efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 are in line with the improvement in business and business in the trade sector. Moreover, there has been a lot of government support for the business world through the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program, including for MSMEs. "Government support for the business world has been a lot through the National Economic Recovery Fund (PEN) program, including for MSMEs," said Benny. However, to maximize business and business recovery in the trade sector, Benny hopes that there will be an easing of access to financing in financial institutions.

This is needed considering that during the pandemic in Indonesia, business capital has been used as a reserve fund to be able to survive in difficult times. "The easing of access to financing means lower interest rates and easier access," said Benny. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded a trade balance surplus for the month of US$4.74 billion. The surplus was higher than the previous month's figure of 2.59 billion US dollars. According to BPS, the value of Indonesia's exports in that period reached 21.42 billion US dollars. This achievement is the highest record in Indonesian history.

Sources: https://www.balipost.com/news/2021/10/06/219657/Kinerja-Ekspor-Indonesia-Melonjak,Ini...html