Indonesia’s top economic official has said that new international trade deals are set to boost exports of local products, including automobiles, as the country works to expand market access and strengthen its global trade position.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, speaking on Thursday at the ‘3 Million Exports from Indonesia’ event hosted by PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), stated that Indonesia is actively pursuing a series of trade deals to unlock new export destinations.
“This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to open access to new markets and increase export quotas for Indonesian goods,” Hartarto told reporters.
He pointed to Indonesia’s planned accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a key example, saying it will enable access to major markets such as Mexico.
Hartarto also acknowledged that import quota restrictions in some countries continue to limit foreign goods but expressed optimism that the CPTPP and other trade pacts will help remove such barriers.
“With Free Trade Agreements, CEPA, and CPTPP, those quotas can be opened up,” he said, adding that greater participation in global trade frameworks would enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness.
Highlighting the country’s automotive export achievements, Hartarto noted that PT TMMIN has shipped three million vehicles to 100 countries since 1987, crediting strong domestic supply chain integration for enabling sustained growth in manufacturing exports.
Hartarto also referenced the recent conclusion of the Indonesia-EU–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), which was finalized on September 23, 2025.
Speaking at a subsequent press conference on September 30 during the launch of the EU Investment Desk, he said the deal could increase Indonesia’s exports to the EU by as much as 2.5 times.
According to projections, the agreement is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral trade, with total trade volume potentially reaching $60 billion and Indonesian exports to the EU forecast to rise by over 50% within three to four years.
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