Jakarta. The 2026 Trade Expo Indonesia, or TEI, seeks to record at least $17.5 billion worth of transactions, as Jakarta doesn’t want its tariff-cutting agreements or deals in general to remain on paper.

Since the Soeharto era, resource-rich Indonesia has been hosting the international trade fair to woo foreign buyers. Last year, TEI saw businesses shaking hands on transactions totaling $22.83 billion. Jakarta is upbeat that it can top 2025 levels, while setting a lower target as a starting point, according to senior energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia reading off President Prabowo Subianto’s speech.

“We aimed for $16 billion in 2025, but we managed to amass $22.83 billion. I [Prabowo] ask for TEI to exceed 2025 figures,” Bahlil told the expo’s opening ceremony at ICE exhibition center in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday.

At least 16,885 buyers — some 8,092 of whom are foreigners — have signed up for the fair that showcases agrifood, fashion, furniture, among others. These clients are coming from 134 countries.

The higher targets are happening amid Jakarta’s pursuit of free trade agreements, which would grant exporters zero or reduced tariffs. As a case in point, the tariff eliminations on the Europe-bound goods are set to take effect in about a few months. As many as 25 trade pacts are now in effect. 

“Every international trade agreement must be concrete and bring tangible benefits to the people. Don’t just sign memoranda of understanding [MoUs]. We have to realize whatever is agreed on the said MoUs,” Bahlil said.

These agreements must also translate into less red tape for businesses on the ground.

Indonesian exporters are slated to sign 168 MoUs with buyers from 22 unnamed countries later that day. The deals reach roughly $13.2 billion in value. The government is expected to disclose the specifics later. 

Over the years, Indonesia has been betting on palm oil — a miracle ingredient found in a plethora of everyday goods — to boost exports. Annual palm oil shipments totaled $17.75 billion as of August 2026. The overall exports went up 4.74% year-on-year to $193.64 billion in the first eight months of the year, government data showed.

The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) recently aired its concerns over what comes after a free trade agreement gets signed. 

“Trade agreements offer opportunity, but implementation really matters,” Apindo chairwoman Shinta Kamdani said earlier this week.

“The priority is now to turn market access into export growth, [such as by building] a reliable domestic supply chain, efficient logistics, predictability in trade procedures, and readiness to meet international standards.”

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