Jakarta. The 2025 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) opened on Wednesday with an ambitious goal of securing $16.5 billion in transactions, underscoring the country’s optimism about its expanding trade performance.

Hosted by the Trade Ministry at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang, the annual international fair carries the theme “Discover Indonesia’s Excellence: Trade Beyond Boundaries.”

Chief Food Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan said the government’s trade policies were yielding positive results, reflected in the nation’s growing surpluses.

“Our exports have grown by more than 7 percent year-on-year, while our trade surplus has reached $29 billion,” Zulkifli said. “By working together, Indonesia will cement its position as a highly competitive economic power in the global market.”

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said this year’s expo drew 1,619 participants and 8,045 registered buyers from 130 countries, with exhibition zones dedicated to agrifood, manufactured goods, and services and lifestyle.

“TEI reflects President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision to strengthen Indonesia’s industrial development and expand our role in the global supply chain as we pursue a Golden Indonesia,” Budi said.

The five-day event also features business-matching sessions, counseling programs, and industry forums. Visitors can explore the adjacent Pangan Nusa Exhibition in Hall 9, showcasing the culinary richness of Indonesia’s regions.

“This exhibition enables local culinary entrepreneurs to demonstrate product quality and open opportunities for collaboration and global market access,” Budi added.

Budi credited the success of the event to a broad partnership involving the Foreign Ministry, Indonesian diplomats, the national business chamber Kadin, and their foreign counterparts. Major sponsors include Bank Mandiri, Pertamina, and the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). The event was organized by Debindomulti Adhiswasti with support from other ministries, sub-national governments, state-owned enterprises, and private companies.

The opening day also featured an awarding ceremony honoring top exporters and international partners. Budi presented the Primaniyarta Awards to exporters and regional leaders who consistently boosted export performance and global brand recognition, as well as pioneers who opened new markets for Indonesian products.

He also presented the Primaduta Awards to loyal buyers, long-term trade partners, and Indonesian envoys recognized for advancing the country’s non-oil and gas exports.