#Indonesia #Tangerang #Trade Expo 2026 #Budi Santoso

The 41st Trade Expo Indonesia: A Catalyst for Export Growth and Product Innovation

The Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, the nation’s largest international trade exhibition, commenced from October 14 to 18 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City in Tangerang. Hosted by Debindo (PT Debindomulti Adhiswasti) and supported by the Ministry of Trade, this five-day event is centered around the theme, "The Ultimate Hub for Global Sourcing."

The event was officially inaugurated by Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, Bahlil Lahadalia, representing President Prabowo Subianto. Emphasizing the crucial role of downstreaming and industrialization, Lahadalia remarked, "Downstreaming is essential to enhance the value of Indonesia's natural resources while reinforcing our economic self-reliance.”

With 1,873 exhibitors and buyers from 134 countries registered on opening day, the expo expects around 30,000 visitors and aims for USD 17.5 billion in potential transactions. The event is notably set to witness the signing of 168 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Indonesian exporters and international buyers from 22 nations right from day one.

TEI serves as a vital platform connecting Indonesian businesses with global markets by showcasing a diverse array of products including food and beverages, agricultural and manufactured goods, fashion items, crafts, furniture, and investment opportunities in industrial estates. This initiative aligns well with the Ministry’s goals of securing the domestic market, expanding export markets, and facilitating the transition from local to global. Minister of Trade Budi Santoso stated, “We continue trade negotiations with various countries and regions to open up export markets. To date, 25 trade agreements are in effect, with another 13 under negotiation.”

In support of small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry is enhancing export prospects through business matching initiatives facilitated by 46 trade representative offices across 33 countries. Relevant programs such as Desa BISA Ekspor focus on developing village products for international sales, while domestic retail partnerships aid local market expansions. Additionally, collaboration with 25 universities via the Campuspreneur initiative encourages students to build their businesses and pursue export opportunities.

Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, highlighted the importance of exploring non-traditional markets, especially in South Asia—specifically Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India—as well as opportunities in Africa.

During the gala opening, the Ministry honored outstanding exporters and regional leaders with the Primaniyarta Award, alongside the Primaduta Award for international partners and representatives of the Indonesian diaspora abroad. The Campuspreneur Award is also set to recognize students achieving the highest transaction volumes during the trade expo.

Strategic partnerships enhance the exhibition's profile, with Pertamina participating as a Strategic Partner, Bank Mandiri as the Bank Partner, and BPDP contributing as an Event Partner, all collaborating under the guidance of Kadin Indonesia and LPEI. The event underscores a concerted effort by the Indonesian government to stimulate national economic growth through enhanced export engagement and innovation—a pivotal step for the country's future in global trade.

As TEI 2026 unfolds, it solidifies Indonesia's commitment to promoting its products on the world stage while drawing international attention to the enriching potential within its varied industries. The momentum established at this year's expo is essential not just for immediate sales figures but for nurturing sustainable economic practices and creating resilience in the face of global market challenges.