Trade Expo Indonesia Reports US$22.94 Billion in Potential Transactions

Closing figures exceed targets

The reported value covered 426 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including US$327.7 million in potential transactions from Pangan Nusa Expo, a domestic culinary exhibition held alongside the trade fair. Potential transactions involving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) totaled US$510.79 million, according to the closing figures published in a PRNewswire release carried by Yonhap News Agency.

The event attracted 1,873 exhibitors, beating its target of 1,500 companies by 24.9 percent. Organizers reported 9,600 registered buyers representing 151 countries and more than 45,287 visitors. Attendance rose 31.08 percent from the previous year, compared with a pre-event goal of 30,000 visitors.

India, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan accounted for the largest potential transaction values by country. Food and beverages, jewelry, wood products, agricultural products, and paper led the product categories.

At the October 14 opening, Budi had reported registrations from buyers in 134 countries and 1,873 exhibitors. He also announced plans to sign 168 MoUs that day between Indonesian exporters and buyers from 22 countries.

The previous edition, held October 15-19, 2025, reported US$22.80 billion in total transactions against a US$16.5 billion target. It hosted 1,619 exhibitors and 34,550 visitors from 131 countries, including 8,045 international buyers from 130 countries. MSMEs contributed US$474.70 million.

Export policy and new markets

Hosted by the Ministry of Trade and organized by Debindo (PT Debindomulti Adhiswasti), TEI 2026 ran October 14-18 under the theme "The Ultimate Hub for Global Sourcing." Indonesia's largest international trade exhibition has been held annually since 1985.

Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia opened the fair on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto. He said the government's push to process natural resources through downstreaming and industrialization was intended to raise their added value, promote higher-value exports, and strengthen economic self-reliance.

Budi described the exhibition as a way to introduce Indonesian businesses to prospective overseas buyers. Exhibits spanned food and beverages, agriculture, manufacturing, fashion and crafts, furniture and home décor. Industrial estates were also featured to draw investor interest.

Alongside the exhibition, Budi highlighted trade negotiations as another route to broader market access. He said 25 trade agreements had been implemented and 13 were under negotiation, placing those efforts within the administration's "Two Years of Real Action" national transformation agenda.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized opportunities in non-traditional markets. He singled out South Asia, which he described as experiencing the highest growth, naming Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, and also pointed to opportunities in Africa.

Small businesses and student exporters

Through its From Local to Global program, the Trade Ministry arranges meetings between MSMEs and prospective international buyers, supported by 46 Indonesian trade representative offices across 33 countries. Budi also highlighted Desa BISA Ekspor, which has identified village products for development and entry into export markets, and partnerships linking MSMEs with domestic retailers.

The ministry's Campuspreneur program gives university students opportunities to learn about business development and exporting. Budi said the program had partnerships with 25 universities across Indonesia.

At TEI 2026, Campuspreneur brought together 25 participants from 20 selected universities. They exhibited products, pitched their businesses, and met international buyers through business-matching sessions, recording more than US$24.57 million in potential transactions.

Awards, partners, and the next edition

At the opening ceremony, Budi presented the Primaniyarta Award to exporters and regional heads recognized for contributing to national export growth. The Primaduta Award honored international partners, diaspora members, and heads of Indonesian representative offices abroad for promoting Indonesian products. The ministry also announced that students achieving the highest transaction value during the exhibition would receive the Campuspreneur Award.

Pertamina served as Strategic Partner, Bank Mandiri as Bank Partner, and Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan (BPDP) as Event Partner. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) and Indonesia Eximbank (LPEI) also supported the event.

Budi announced that the 42nd Trade Expo Indonesia is scheduled for October 13-17, 2027.