Jakarta:Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri has emphasized the significant role of exhibitions in providing opportunities for Indonesian products to penetrate the global market. She highlighted that exhibitions not only serve as a means for product promotion but also as platforms for building business connections, exploring collaboration opportunities, and generating sustainable trade transactions.
According to Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Deputy Trade Minister Roro delivered these remarks during her keynote speech at the opening of the 2026 Indonesia Business Event Forum (IBEF) held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta. The event was attended by notable figures including Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar and Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, along with ASPERAPI Chairman Hosea Andreas Runkat.
Deputy Trade Minister Roro stressed the need for exhibitions to synergize with the creative industry and tourism to create an economic multiplier effect benefiting both businesses and the wider community. She underscored that the success of exhibitions should be evaluated not just by participation numbers but by business follow-up activities, such as establishing trade contacts and completing export transactions.
Highlighting Indonesia's trade performance, Deputy Trade Minister Roro noted that from January to September 2026, exports reached USD 221.23 billion, marking a 5.58 percent increase from the previous year, with non-oil and gas exports contributing USD 212.27 billion. She pointed out the importance of expanding market access and adapting domestic products to meet international demands, with exhibitions serving as a showcase for Indonesia's production capabilities.
The 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) in October 2026 exemplified this potential by recording potential transactions of USD 22.94 billion, surpassing its target. Deputy Trade Minister Roro stated that these results illustrate how exhibitions can deliver tangible economic outcomes by connecting Indonesian businesses with international buyers.
Indonesia's exhibition industry, hosting 150–160 exhibitions annually, supports trade, investment, tourism, and business development. Deputy Trade Minister Roro urged businesses to prepare effectively and participate actively in exhibitions, emphasizing the need for government and private sector cooperation to optimize these opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar highlighted the interconnectedness of tourism, the creative economy, and trade in promoting Indonesia internationally, while ASPERAPI Chairman Hosea Andreas Runkat discussed Indonesia's potential as a hub for exhibitions in Southeast Asia. He stressed the importance of improving standards, digital transformation, and regional partnerships to maximize economic potential.
IBEF 2026, according to Hosea, offers a platform for stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strengthen cooperation in Asia's exhibition industry, aiming for growth at regional and global levels.