Indonesia's Ministry of Trade has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local exporters, particularly in the coffee sector, through a series of programs and initiatives aimed at boosting exports. Deputy Minister of Trade, Jerry Sambuaga, emphasized this during a business forum in Tangerang, Banten, on October 10, 2024. The forum, themed “Maximizing the Potential of Indonesian Coffee in the Global Market through Sustainable Export Collaboration and Ecosystems,” highlighted the country's active role in international trade discussions. According to the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia has completed 38 trade agreements as of September 2024, while 17 negotiations are ongoing, and 13 more are in the exploratory phase. Traditional export destinations include China, the United States, and Japan, while non-traditional markets span South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Sambuaga underscored the importance of the “3K” principles for exporters: quantity, quality, and consistency. He urged exporters to understand the regulations of target markets to meet required standards and maintain steady export volumes. Global coffee imports have grown by 12% over the past five years, driven by rising demand for high-quality coffee. However, exporters face challenges such as meeting the demand for specialty, premium, and eco-friendly coffee, as well as addressing consumers' increasing concerns about coffee sourcing and sustainability. The Ministry of Trade has introduced several initiatives to support exporters, including certification assistance, export planning, and the promotion of digitalization to streamline export licensing. Moreover, the Ministry aims to strengthen the global branding of Indonesian coffee through aggressive promotion in international trade exhibitions and forums.
