The Indonesian government is embarking on significant reforms aimed at boosting exports and stimulating economic growth, addressing the changing dynamics of international trade. Recently, adjustments related to the export of consigned goods have been implemented, as outlined by the Minister of Finance through the regulation PMK 4/2025. This regulation aims to streamline the export process, ensuring compliance with current business practices and enhancing legal clarity.
According to reports from ANTARA, the new rules include updated provisions for consignment notes, which now serve as customs notification documents for exports weighing under 30 kilograms. The regulation emphasizes the consolidation of consigned goods—allowing postal service operators to combine consignments for easier declaration and processing—and clarifies the exemption from customs duties for re-imported goods.
Yandri Susanto, the Minister of Village Development, is spearheading another ambitious initiative to create thousands of export-oriented villages across Indonesia. During his remarks at the "Strengthening Government Oversight and Governance" event, he stressed the importance of optimizing the various potentials found within rural areas to contribute to national economic growth.
"We aim to create thousands of export villages," Yandri said, indicating the potential for these villages to become key economic sources for the nation. One exemplary model is the village of Ngoran in Blitar, East Java, which has successfully turned cattle hides from local farms—worth up to Rp17.5 billion annually—in to Jimbe drums for export to China.
For the Ministry of Trade, there is great optimism surrounding the export of halal products, aiming to leverage Indonesia's position as the world's largest Muslim-majority country. During the period from January to October 2024, the country recorded halal product exports reaching approximately $41.42 billion, showcasing substantial trade surpluses and year-on-year increases.
A comprehensive analysis from the Ministry indicates significant growth trends within the halal export sector, paralleling Indonesia's broader growth ambitions. The Directorate General of National Export Development, represented by Mardyana Listyowati, noted, "Halal processed food has become the mainstay of our exports, signifying the potential to successfully tap alternative markets across the globe."
The government is currently recommending several priority nations for halal exports, including Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Experts highlight Turkey and the UEA as regional trading hubs, with prospects for growth largely driven by demand within OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) member states.
A strategic meeting between former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad and Indonesian President Joko Widodo highlighted the necessity for enhanced bilateral trade cooperation. Mahathir emphasized the opportunity for Indonesia to export more products to Malaysia, which currently sources from other nations. President Widodo acknowledged this potential, affirming the strong relations between the two countries.
Overall, Indonesia's multifaceted approach to bolstering its economy—through regulatory reform, the promotion of export villages, and expansion within halal markets—demonstrates commitment to achieving the President's target of 8% economic growth. The synergy between developing exports from rural areas and streamlining regulations signifies important steps forward for Indonesia's economic strategy.
By empowering village-level economies and enhancing international trade prospects, the government hopes to not only stimulate local commerce but also position Indonesia favorably on the global trade map.