By Chibuzor Alli
Indonesia is targeting $17.5bn in transactions at its 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026 after securing 168 memoranda of understanding valued at $13.2bn with buyers from 22 countries.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed confidence that the exhibition would surpass its target, citing the competitiveness of Indonesian products and the government’s efforts to expand access to international markets.
Prabowo, represented by the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Affairs and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, spoke at the opening ceremony of the expo on Wednesday at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Tangerang, Banten.
The President said the 2025 edition exceeded its target of more than $16bn, generating transactions worth $22.8bn.
“I received a report from the Minister of Trade and his team that we are targeting total transactions at Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 to reach US$17.5 billion. In 2025, the target was more than US$16 billion, but the actual figure reached US$22.8 billion. I hope this target can be exceeded in 2026,” Prabowo said.
He disclosed that 16,885 prospective buyers had registered for this year’s exhibition, including 8,092 international buyers from 134 countries.
“I have also received a report that around 16,885 prospective buyers have registered, including 8,092 buyers from abroad representing 134 countries. I welcome our friends. Buyers and investors, welcome to Indonesia,” Prabowo said.
The 168 memoranda of understanding, valued at $13.2bn, represent commitments that require further negotiations and implementation and should not be regarded as completed transactions.
Prabowo also highlighted Indonesia’s economic performance, citing growth of 5.45 per cent in the first half of 2026, inflation below three per cent and a trade surplus of 193.6bn.
He said the government was working to ensure that international trade agreements translated into tangible economic benefits for businesses and the wider population.
According to the President, simplifying export procedures, improving access to financing, providing affordable insurance and strengthening promotion in promising international markets would help Indonesian exporters expand their businesses.
He added that the government was prioritising exports with higher value through the processing and industrialisation of the country’s natural resources.
“Currently, the government is promoting high-value-added exports through the downstreaming and industrialisation of Indonesia’s natural resources. Downstreaming is the key to increasing the added value of Indonesia’s natural resources while strengthening national economic independence,” he said.
The President also called for the removal of unnecessary administrative barriers, warning that complicated export procedures could hinder trade expansion.
“Export procedures should not be complicated. The technical considerations (Pertek) that hinder exports must be simplified immediately to promote export growth. I added that part myself,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, said the memoranda involving buyers from 22 countries demonstrated the exhibition’s potential to broaden the country’s export markets.
PUNCH Online reported that the Ministry of Trade disclosed during a media chat on Tuesday that TEI 2026 would feature 1,873 exhibitors, with organisers targeting 30,000 visitors.
The exhibition features food and beverages, agricultural produce, manufactured goods, fashion, handicrafts, furniture and home decoration. It also showcases industrial zones intended to attract investment.
The Indonesian government expects the event to create new business opportunities, increase export earnings and strengthen the country’s participation in global supply chains, including markets in Nigeria and other West African countries.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, said Nigeria had consistently ranked among the top five countries in buyer attendance at previous editions of the exhibition.
He recalled that 109 West African participants attended TEI 2025 through the embassy’s facilitation, generating business potential exceeding $24m.
Suharto also disclosed that memoranda of understanding worth $10m had been signed ahead of this year’s exhibition, while 101 participants from West Africa had arrived for TEI 2026.
“These are promising early signs of the opportunities ahead,” the ambassador said.
He added that TEI 2025 attracted 8,045 international buyers and 34,550 visitors from 131 countries, generating transactions worth $22.8bn.
The envoy urged Nigerian and other West African businesses to use the exhibition to explore Indonesian products, establish commercial contacts and develop partnerships capable of strengthening trade between the two regions.
“My hope is that this year’s TEI will bring even greater success for all of you. Please make the most of your time here: meet exhibitors, explore new products, exchange ideas, and pursue opportunities that can grow into lasting business partnerships,” he said.
Suharto pledged the embassy’s support for participants seeking business connections and assistance during the exhibition, expressing hope that their participation would lead to new deals and stronger economic cooperation between Indonesia and West African countries.
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