Indonesia Pushes MSMEs into New Export Markets to Expand Global Trade

Indonesia is stepping up efforts to turn micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) into major exporters as the government seeks new markets across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia outlined the strategy at the opening of the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. He said the government wanted smaller businesses to move beyond supporting larger companies and become direct participants in international supply chains.

The plan includes improving digital and financial access, simplifying export procedures and making export financing and insurance more affordable. The government also wants to strengthen trade arrangements with emerging markets to help Indonesian businesses reach more overseas buyers.

Lahadalia stressed that complicated export requirements and restrictive technical rules should be addressed to help businesses compete internationally. He also linked the export drive to Indonesia’s wider policy of processing more natural resources domestically to increase the value of goods before they reach foreign markets.

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Africa is among the regions Indonesia hopes to target as it diversifies its export destinations. The strategy could create opportunities for Indonesian producers of agricultural goods, manufactured products, food and beverages to establish new commercial partnerships.

The trade expo is targeting $17.5bn in transactions, bringing together exporters, manufacturers, buyers and investors.

However, expanding into new markets will require businesses to meet destination-country standards, secure reliable financing and build distribution networks capable of turning initial interest into repeat orders.

The government’s challenge is to ensure that smaller enterprises can convert the new market access into sustainable export growth and jobs.