Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has reported a significant export achievement totaling USD 57.6 million (around IDR 938 billion) by April 2025, largely driven by business matching initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Japan. Fajarini Puntodewi, Director General of National Export Development, shared this success during the Kumparan Halal Forum 2025 in Jakarta, emphasizing that repeated export releases were the result of strategic pitching and matchmaking programs.
Among the standout exports were soy sauce from Cirebon—once considered a less popular product—and a full container of candlenuts. These deals were solidified through collaborative trade efforts supported by the Ministry. Additionally, the ministry organized the Amazing Indonesia exhibition in Jeddah in February 2025, connecting Indonesian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with potential importers and retailers in the Middle East. The initiative aims not only to boost exports but also to support catering services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. According to Puntodewi, such programs are also a direct follow-up to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Saudi authorities, strengthening trust and long-term cooperation in the halal sector.
