The Indonesia Eximbank (LPEI) held a forum with top exporters from North Sumatra (Sumut) during the "LPEI Export Forum and 2024 Special Export Assignment Program Socialization" on Thursday, July 25, 2024. This event was organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Financing and Risk Management (DJPPR) of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu), North Sumatra Customs, and the Department of Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources (Disperindag ESDM) of North Sumatra Province.. Major export products from North Sumatra include animal or vegetable fats and oils, which have reached markets in 182 countries. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), North Sumatra's export value reached USD 10.24 billion, while Riau Islands and Riau recorded USD 17.39 billion and USD 18.96 billion, respectively. North Sumatra contributed 5.12% to Indonesia's total GDP in 2023, placing it among the top five national GDP contributors. LPEI Chief of Region Anton Herdiyanto stated that LPEI is committed to providing solutions and support to North Sumatra exporters to enhance their capacity and capability and build trust with other countries. North Sumatra has 737 exporters: 555 with export values below IDR 50 billion, 137 with export values between IDR 50-500 billion, and 45 with export values above IDR 500 billion. North Sumatra ranks among the top 10 provinces for export value and seventh in the number of exporters in Indonesia.
Director of State Financial Risk Management (PRKN) Kemenkeu Heri Setiawan explained that the government has given LPEI a special export assignment (PKE) to support exports from North Sumatra. The PKE aims to provide financing, guarantees, and/or insurance for export activities that are commercially challenging but crucial for supporting national export policies. Through the PKE, LPEI acts as an extension of the Ministry of Finance to help businesses overcome various obstacles, especially for exporters who are LPEI partners. Exporters can take advantage of various PKE programs according to their needs and export characteristics. The forum reflects LPEI's role in boosting North Sumatra's export potential, emphasizing the importance of innovation and digitalization in promoting local products and expanding market reach.
