Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, emphasized the need for the nation to fully embrace digital transformation to improve trade efficiency and navigate global economic challenges during the 22nd Economix seminar held at Universitas Indonesia on February 11, 2025. Speaking to around 500 attendees, Roro highlighted how technology is reshaping the global trade ecosystem.
"Revolutionary technology has accelerated every process within global trade. This revolution not only changes how we trade but also redefines the roles of countries and companies within the economic ecosystem," Roro said, as reported by Kemendag.
The Deputy Minister’s comments were underscored by the fact digital export services have outpaced traditional goods and services growth rates. Roro noted the importance of leveraging technology, stating, "The increase in services offered digitally within international trade is closely linked to rapid technological advancements."
She pointed out the significant rise of digital trade regulations from 2000 to 2022, which now constitute about 33% of all Regional Trade Agreements (RTM). This growing trend reinforces the idea of digital trade being fundamental to global trade agreements. "Although not all RTMs encompass digital provisions, this trend still indicates sustainable expansion, especially as economies become more digitally integrated," Roro remarked.
Roro explained how digitalization is pivotal for accelerating international trade, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. It not only speeds up transactions but also expands market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through e-commerce, promoting both innovation and business transformation.
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade has taken proactive measures by launching the Inaexport platform, which bridges Indonesian exporters with potential international buyers and provides comprehensive access to high-quality Indonesian products across various sectors.
"Utilizing Inaexport allows companies to explore diverse export-ready products, connect with trusted suppliers, and gain valuable market insights," Roro said, emphasizing the platform’s role as part of the country’s strategy to bolster its export economy.
Roro also touched on the regulatory aspects of digital trading. Under Ministerial Regulation Number 99 of 2018, the ministry has introduced regulations encompassing crypto asset trading, reflecting efforts to adapt to the increasing digital financial inclusion. Following advancements, on January 10, 2025, there was a transition of crypto asset oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti) to the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
Cooperation between the Ministry of Trade and the OJK will continue to focus on strengthening tech-based and digital trading. Roro concluded her remarks by emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders, including educational institutions and the private sector, to formulate effective and forward-looking trade policies aimed at achieving 8% economic growth by 2029.
These discussions at the seminar accentuated the urgency for Indonesia to not only keep pace with the global digital transformation but also leverage it for sustainable growth and development as it navigates the complex waters of international trade.