Jakarta — Investor confidence in Indonesia’s economy continues to show a positive trend, supported by consistent trade balance surpluses. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country’s goods trade balance in March 2025 once again recorded a significant surplus of USD 4.33 billion. This figure represents an increase of USD 1.23 billion from the previous month, serving as concrete evidence of Indonesia’s economic resilience amid global challenges.
BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated that this achievement strengthens Indonesia’s position as a country with solid economic fundamentals. “Indonesia’s trade balance has recorded a surplus for 59 consecutive months since May 2020,” said Amalia optimistically. She added that the surplus in March 2025 was mainly driven by non-oil and gas commodities, which reached a value of USD 6 billion.
According to Amalia, the main contributors to the surplus came from strategic sectors such as animal/vegetable fats and oils, mineral fuels, and iron and steel. On the other hand, while the oil and gas sector recorded a deficit of USD 1.67 billion, this is considered reasonable given the high domestic demand for refined and crude oil.
This positive momentum further enhances the competitiveness of Indonesian exports, even amid dynamic international trade conditions influenced by partner countries’ policies. As is well known, Indonesia is currently facing a new challenge in the form of a reciprocal tariff policy of 32 percent, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, the Indonesian government has responded swiftly through proactive economic diplomacy. A delegation led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in an effort to find mutually beneficial solutions.
“Indonesia is committed to helping reduce the U.S. trade deficit by increasing imports of energy products such as crude oil, LPG, gasoline, as well as agricultural products like soybeans and wheat,” Airlangga affirmed.
Airlangga also emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector and to address non-tariff barriers (NTBs), which have long been a concern for U.S. businesses.
Secretary Lutnick responded positively to Indonesia’s initiatives and recommended that technical discussions be scheduled immediately, with a target of completion within 60 days. The Indonesian delegation is also scheduled to continue negotiations with the Department of Commerce (DoC) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The consistent trade balance surplus, combined with the government’s firm commitment to enhancing international trade relations, proves that Indonesia is increasingly trusted globally and is becoming a stable and promising investment destination.
