Indonesia debuts AI services marketplace at Trade Expo 2026

Indonesia debuts AI services marketplace at Trade Expo 2026

Indonesia is launching an artificial intelligence services marketplace at Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, marking a strategic shift in the country's export promotion strategy as it seeks to capitalize on its rapidly growing AI sector.

Fajarini Puntodewi, Director General of National Export Development at the Trade Ministry, announced the initiative during a technical meeting press conference in Tangerang District, Banten, on Wednesday. The new category will allow international buyers to procure AI-based products and services created by Indonesian developers.

"This is the first time we are introducing AI services," Puntodewi stated. "So, they can order these AI products from Indonesian talent."

The move comes as Indonesia's AI sector experiences exceptional growth. The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs reported in August that revenue from AI-based features in Indonesia surged 127 percent year-on-year during the first half of 2025, representing the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia. Indonesia's generative AI market was valued at USD 175.32 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 975.97 million by 2033.

Building on domestic market strength

Puntodewi emphasized that the ministry's strategy leverages Indonesia's substantial domestic market as a foundation for industrial development before expanding internationally. Indonesia is home to more than 65 million micro, small and medium enterprises employing over 120 million people and accounting for roughly 60 percent of national GDP, with the digital economy projected to exceed USD 130 billion by 2026.

"The principle is to leverage our vast domestic market as an industrial base, and then promote the industrial output to the rest of the world," she explained.

The initiative aligns with global market trends favoring high-tech, value-added products. Puntodewi noted that TEI's offerings must adapt to these evolving demands to ensure Indonesian businesses can expand their international reach.

Regional AI cooperation framework

The Trade Ministry previously showcased Indonesia's AI capabilities at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, which ran from September 17-21, 2026. On September 22, the ministry announced Indonesia had won two awards at the event, including recognition as "Special Contributor for AI Cooperation." The expo featured a dedicated AI marketplace with approximately 500 products from more than 70 companies, and highlighted 31 practical AI cooperation projects between China and ASEAN member states covering infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing and smart logistics.

Indonesia's workplace AI adoption rates support the country's export ambitions. Microsoft's Work Trend Index 2026 found that 33 percent of Indonesian workers qualify as advanced "Frontier Professional" AI users who strategically integrate AI into their workflows, more than double the 16 percent global average.

Established platform for innovation

The 41st Trade Expo Indonesia will take place from October 14-18, 2026, at Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD City in Tangerang District, Banten. First established in 1985 and held annually since then, TEI moved to the ICE BSD City venue in 2017 after more than 30 years at Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran. The facility covers approximately 220,000 square meters of land area, with 10 exhibition halls totaling 50,000 square meters and an additional 50,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition space, making it one of Indonesia's most spacious convention centers.

The 2025 edition recorded USD 22.83 billion in potential transactions, with 1,619 exhibitors, 8,045 buyers and 34,550 visitors, establishing a strong baseline for this year's event.

"Hopefully, this will also mark a turning point for the rise of our AI industry in the global market," Puntodewi said.