Indonesia has recently made exciting strides in global trade, particularly with its innovative dog chew toy exports to the United States and Europe. On February 25, 2025, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso officiated the dispatch of these unique toys made from sustainable materials such as coffee wood and coconut rope, with the total export value reaching 35 billion rupiah. This initiative, set against the backdrop of increasing economic demands and environmental concerns, highlights Indonesia's growing competitiveness and the dedication of local industries to innovation.
The ceremony took place in Desa Pekutan, Kecamatan Bayan, Kabupaten Purworejo, where Minister Santoso emphasized the importance of these exports for local communities. The production of dog chew toys has empowered 80 new jobs and raised local income by 70%. Santoso remarked, "The successful export of dog chew products made from coffee wood and coconut coir from Purworejo to the US and Europe demonstrates the competitive potential of Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). This proves Indonesia's strong competitiveness, especially for innovative products carrying sustainability values.”
Supporting these efforts, the Ministry of Trade has laid out three primary programs aimed at enhancing the country's market presence: protecting domestic products, broadening export markets, and encouraging innovation among UMKM. To facilitate this, the ministry has organized numerous business matching events, aimed at connecting Indonesian producers with buyers from abroad.
This year alone, the Ministry disclosed plans to conduct 75 similar events to boost the visibility and reach of local products internationally. By January 2025, 72 sessions had already been held, generating potential transactions amounting to over 5 million USD, reflecting the growing interest from international stakeholders.
Riza Deliansyah, Chief of Corporate Affairs at PT Astra International Tbk, also acknowledged the collective effort by various parties contributing to the success of these exports, stating, "Solid synergy is key to creating new opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of local products on the global market." The collaboration among local manufacturers, government officials, and businesses is pivotal to revamping Indonesia's presence on the international rug.
The local company responsible for producing these dog chew toys, PT Eco Choo, has played a significant role in this success story. Led by Dewi Harlas, the company's initiatives focus not only on production but also on responsible sourcing and sustainability. "The container we dispatched is not just cargo, but rather a contribution to the state’s revenue and support for Indonesia's economy, particularly within the export sector of UMKM,” Harlas remarked, emphasizing the significance of this venture.
Beyond merely exporting goods, the success of these dog chew toys showcases the potential for Indonesian products to penetrate competitive international markets. According to Santoso, the government is committed to facilitating this growth through agreements and collaborations with countries worldwide, ensuring Indonesian products can attract international buyers.
The Deputy Regent of Purworejo, Dion Agasi Setiabudi, also affirmed the local administration's support for these export initiatives, aiming to provide local entrepreneurs with the tools and resources necessary to tap global economic opportunities. He stated, "This endeavor is not only empowering our local industry but also creating jobs and driving economic growth. The materials like coffee wood and coconut rope can be exported and transformed from local resources to high-value products for international markets."
Looking forward, there is tremendous potential for continued growth and development within the Indonesian export sector, especially for UMKM. Minister Santoso expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the need for continuous support and innovation from both the government and the private sector. "We hope to see the government provide more support to UMKM, especially at the local level," Harlas added, indicating how future partnerships could lead to even greater success.
This successful export not only enhances the local economy but also aligns with Indonesia's broader economic goals, aiming to become more competitive on the global stage. The strides taken by local industries exemplify not just the resilience but also the innovative spirit of the Indonesian people as they adapt and grow within the changing global market. The future looks bright for Indonesia's exports, particularly as sustainability and quality craftsmanship become central to their narrative.