By: Andi Mahesa
Amid an increasingly complex global economic landscape, encouraging news comes from Indonesia’s trade performance. The latest data shows that Indonesia has once again recorded a trade balance surplus of USD 3.12 billion. Even more impressive, this achievement extends the surplus streak to 58 consecutive months since May 2020. These figures are not just statistics—they signal the growing resilience and competitiveness of the Indonesian economy in the face of global turmoil.
According to Ragimun, a researcher at the Macroeconomics and Finance Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), this consistent surplus trend reflects the success of national trade strategies and strengthens Indonesia’s position in the global economic landscape. Ragimun highlighted a key government policy requiring natural resource exporters—excluding oil and gas—to retain all export proceeds within the country for at least one year. This policy is seen as a logical move with great potential to stabilize the rupiah’s exchange rate and strengthen the resilience of the financial sector.
This policy indicates that the government is not merely focused on achieving surplus numbers but is also working to restructure the national economy’s foundation to be more resistant to global volatility. By retaining export earnings domestically, Indonesia is enhancing domestic liquidity, which in turn can boost investor confidence and safeguard macroeconomic stability.
However, sustaining and even increasing the trade surplus requires a comprehensive and sustainable strategy. Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, an economist and Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), recommends that Indonesia begin to more seriously tap into export opportunities within ASEAN countries. Southeast Asia offers a large and relatively stable market, making it a reliable pillar for maintaining a trade surplus.
Bhima also emphasized the importance of strengthening the manufacturing and digital technology sectors as long-term strategies. It is undeniable that reliance on raw commodity exports makes the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Therefore, structural transformation toward a value-added and innovation-based economy is essential. In this regard, synergy between monetary and fiscal policies must be maintained to ensure national economic stability amid global uncertainties.
In line with this, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving exports as a key engine of economic growth. According to him, product pitching and business matching activities with prospective foreign buyers should be an integral part of the national export strategy. With this approach, Indonesia is no longer passively waiting for buyers but actively exploring markets and creating opportunities.
This approach is highly relevant in today’s competitive global environment. As other countries race to expand their export markets, Indonesia cannot rely solely on participation in trade exhibitions. A more aggressive and well-planned strategy is necessary for Indonesian products to not only gain recognition but also become the top choice in international markets. Budi also added that Indonesia has immense potential to become a global economic power. However, realizing this potential requires bold and rapid structural transformation.
These statements indicate that the trade balance surplus is not the end goal, but rather the starting point of a broader effort to strengthen the national economy. Strong export performance must be accompanied by robust domestic industrial development, investment in strategic sectors, and the cultivation of highly skilled human resources.
On the other hand, the success in maintaining a trade surplus for nearly five consecutive years also indicates that Indonesia’s economic policies are on the right track. The government has demonstrated firmness in managing foreign exchange flows, courage in opening new export markets, and prudence in maintaining fiscal and monetary balance.
This is a tangible result of cross-sector collaboration, including contributions from the business community, MSMEs, and active participation in international economic diplomacy. The trade surplus is not the ultimate goal but a vital instrument to enhance Indonesia’s bargaining position on the global stage.
Once again, this effort cannot rely solely on government action. The roles of businesses, exporters, academics, and the wider community are equally crucial in supporting the grand vision of making Indonesia a global economic power. Business actors must be bold in innovating, improving product quality, and leveraging digital technology to enhance competitiveness.
Indonesia’s current economic journey is a call to all segments of society to unite in supporting government policies that aim to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global market. With a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and transformation, Indonesia has all the potential to become a major player in the world economy. A consistent trade balance surplus is a solid starting capital. Now is the time to turn this momentum into a springboard toward a more prosperous, competitive, and economically sovereign future.
The author is a student at a private university in Jakarta.
