Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 09:18 AM

Indonesia sets sights on Africa for new export markets: Airlangga

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Bayu Saputra, Uyu Liman

The President stated yesterday that our next step is to continue visiting African countries.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia will expand its export markets to African countries, following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto.

Speaking at the ANTARA Business Forum 2026 on Wednesday, Hartarto noted that several African countries, particularly Nigeria, are developing rapidly, highlighting the region's immense economic potential.

"The President stated yesterday that our next step is to continue visiting African countries. Several African nations are moving in a more advanced direction," Hartarto said.

He emphasized that Indonesia must not rely solely on established export destinations but should actively develop new trading partners.

"We pay special attention to this matter to ensure that we do not operate only in markets we already know. We are opening new markets that, so far, have largely been approached by China," he added.

Hartarto pointed out that major Indonesian corporations have already invested in Nigeria, specifically citing fast-moving consumer goods giants PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (Indofood; INDF) and PT Mayora Indah Tbk (Mayora; MYOR).

"Therefore, this is the time for us to keep growing," he said, noting that Indonesia's rising global standing is opening doors to broader economic cooperation worldwide.

He said Indonesia is increasingly recognized as a middle power whose foreign policy is attracting the attention of various countries.

"We have established cooperation with Russia, while an agreement with Eurasia has been signed and ratified. Furthermore, agreements with Europe and the United States are currently in progress," Hartarto said.

Previously, the Trade Ministry also encouraged export diversification by targeting regions with strong economic growth prospects, including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

The ministry's Director General of National Export Development, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the strategy aims to reduce Indonesia's dependence on traditional export destinations such as the United States, Europe, China, and Japan.

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