Indonesia is strengthening its trade engagement with 22 Middle Eastern and surrounding countries, aiming to tap into an estimated USD62 billion in annual trade potential with Islamic nations. Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta noted that all Indonesian ambassadors assigned to these countries will convene in Morocco in January 2026 to finalize detailed strategies for boosting trade performance. Supported by a comprehensive trade integration roadmap developed with the Indonesian Islamic University, the government has intensified diplomatic and economic outreach—visiting 20 countries and securing multiple bilateral agreements to enable broader market expansion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also established a Directorate General for Economy and Development Cooperation to reinforce collaboration with Middle Eastern partners, while exploring the creation of provincial-level foreign affairs desks to facilitate local trade engagements.

Anis further highlighted strong opportunities driven by high flight frequency—over 100 weekly connections between the Middle East and Indonesia—and the growing availability of direct international routes from regional airports. He emphasized the need for Indonesia to increase its focus on investment and trade with Islamic economies, home to nearly 2 billion people and offering significant capital potential, particularly from Gulf countries. Despite its vast promise, Indonesia’s trade with Islamic nations still trails behind China and ASEAN, although it surpasses Europe and the United States. With Europe accounting for only USD35 billion annually and the US USD38 billion, the Middle East and broader Islamic markets present a more strategic avenue for long-term economic growth and diversification.

Source:
 https://www.validnews.id/ekonomi/ri-siap-geber-ekspor-ke-timteng-potensi-us-mtahun