“We need strong economic growth. Through APEC countries, we can increase our exports,” Hartarto said on the sidelines of the Opening Ceremony of the APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting I 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday.
Hartarto noted that APEC economies account for around 70 percent of Indonesia’s total exports, making it essential for Indonesia to support the smooth functioning of the regional forum.
“APEC represents one of the world’s largest economic groupings,” he added.
He also highlighted the United States and China, both APEC members, as highly strategic markets for Indonesia.
According to the minister, Indonesia’s leading export commodities include metals, palm oil, and products from labor-intensive industries such as textiles, furniture, apparel, and footwear.
“These are followed by agricultural products, including shrimp and other commodities,” he said.
In addition to export expansion, Indonesia is also working to widen access to digital payment systems, particularly QRIS, across APEC economies.
“Digital payment integration for Indonesia has already entered Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. We will continue to push for expansion to other APEC economies,” Hartarto said.
Previously, Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, said that strengthening regional economic integration would be one of the key agenda items at the 2026 APEC Summit, which will be hosted by China.
Pedrosa stressed the importance of business sector participation in ministerial-level discussions and leaders’ meetings, noting that the business community has a direct understanding of the real-world impact of policies adopted by regional leaders.
He added that business interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) should be addressed in a series of APEC meetings to ensure deeper integration of business activities across the region.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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