Indonesia recorded a trade surplus in its external trade balance during February 2026, with the surplus amounting to $1.27 billion, continuing since May 2020. According to statements by the Deputy Head of Statistics at Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), Atung Hartono, this performance reflects the strength of the country's exports amid global market challenges.
Hartono also noted in a press conference held in Jakarta that Indonesia's trade surplus from January to February 2026 reached $2.23 billion, reflecting the ongoing positive trend in foreign trade.
Details of the Event
Hartono explained that the trade surplus is supported by strong performance in non-oil exports, which achieved $5.42 billion, while oil exports recorded a deficit of $3.19 billion. The total export value during the mentioned period increased by 2.19% compared to the same period last year, with total exports valued at $37.06 billion.
China, the United States, and India are among the main destinations for Indonesia's exports, representing approximately 43.85% of the country's total non-oil exports. China topped the list of countries importing Indonesian goods with a value of $10.46 billion, followed by the United States at $5.00 billion, and India at $3.11 billion.
Background & Context
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia has faced significant challenges in its trade sector; however, the government has managed to boost its exports by supporting various industrial sectors. Government policies have contributed to improving the business environment, which has helped increase exports and achieve a continuous trade surplus.
Indonesia is one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, heavily relying on exports of primary commodities such as minerals and agricultural products. These factors have enhanced the country's ability to achieve a sustainable trade surplus.
Impact & Consequences
The continuous trade surplus is a positive indicator of the health of the Indonesian economy, reflecting the country's ability to maintain a balance in its payments. This surplus can also enhance the value of the local currency and increase foreign investments in the country.
However, the Indonesian government must remain vigilant regarding potential challenges such as fluctuations in global commodity prices and the repercussions of global economic crises, which may affect the country's exports in the future.
Regional Significance
Indonesia is an important trading partner for many Arab countries, and the ongoing trade surplus could impact trade relations between Indonesia and Arab nations. Additionally, boosting Indonesian exports may open new avenues for economic cooperation between both sides.
In conclusion, Indonesia's continuous trade surplus is a positive indicator of the strength of the Indonesian economy and reflects the country's ability to adapt to global economic challenges. Observers hope that the government will continue to support productive sectors to achieve further success in the future.