On 30th June 2025, the Embassy of Indonesia in New Delhi opened its doors to the media and select members of Indian industry for an engaging briefing on the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI). The event showcased the strong economic collaboration between India and Indonesia and outlined key features of the Trade Expo scheduled to take place from October 15–19, 2025, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, Greater Jakarta.
The gathering was led by H.E. Ms. Ina H. Krisnamurthi, Ambassador of Indonesia to India, who was joined by her colleagues including Mr. Eko S. Junor, Consul for Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of Indonesia in Mumbai; Mr. Nugroho P. Pratomo, Director of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre, Chennai; Mr. Erwin M. Akbar, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs; and Mr. M. Iqbal Djamil, Trade Attaché at the Embassy of Indonesia in India.
Navigating Global Uncertainty Through Stronger Bilateral Trade
Setting the tone for the session, Ambassador Krisnamurthi emphasised the significance of regional and bilateral trade in mitigating the global economic slowdown. “The World Bank recently projected a global growth of just 2.3% in 2025—its weakest in 17 years, excluding recessions,” she said. “But growth can rebound if major economies, like ours, mitigate trade tensions and reduce policy uncertainty.”
She underlined Indonesia’s proactive approach in this environment: “Indonesia’s economy is projected to grow at 4.9% despite these headwinds. Our government is focused on protecting public consumption to fuel growth and preserve purchasing power. Our goal remains steady—achieving a 5% growth rate in 2025.”
The Ambassador also drew parallels between India and Indonesia, highlighting shared economic objectives, including sustainability, inclusive growth, and energy transition. “Much like India, we are focused on resilience and long-term development, creating fertile ground for cooperation between our two nations,” she added.
A Vibrant Partnership: The India–Indonesia Trade Relationship
Highlighting the strength of the current bilateral relationship, Ambassador Krisnamurthi noted that Indonesia–India trade reached USD 29.3 billion in 2023, a testament to growing mutual trust and economic synergy. “Our countries complement each other beautifully,” she remarked. “Indonesia exports palm oil, coal, rubber, and chemicals, while we import from India essential commodities like pharmaceuticals, iron, and refined petroleum. These flows show how closely aligned our trade priorities are.”
She also celebrated the shift in business dynamics between the two nations. “We are moving from transactional relationships to strategic, long-term, value-driven partnerships.”
A highlight of this shift was the Local Currency Transaction Agreement, signed in March 2024 by the central banks of both countries, enabling direct settlements in Indian Rupees and Indonesian Rupiah. “This is a historic moment for us,” said the Ambassador. “It simplifies trade, cuts costs, and empowers businesses to operate with greater confidence.”
She further acknowledged the growing influence of Maybank Indonesia, the first bank to settle LCTs between India and Indonesia, with an operational branch in Mumbai. “It is an example of the financial integration we are striving for,” she noted.
Trade Expo Indonesia 2025: A Premier Global Platform
Described as “not just an exhibition, but a premium international trade forum,” TEI 2025 will showcase Indonesia’s best across three key sectors: Food, Beverage & Agricultural Products, Manufactured Goods and Services & Digital Innovation.
Participants will have access to a robust program of business matchmaking sessions, investment forums, trade facilitation, and capacity-building workshops. Ambassador Krisnamurthi called it “a unique blend of commerce and collaboration.”
The Ambassador shared that Indian interest in TEI has been rising steadily. “Last year, we had 944 buyers and visitors from India, and they generated USD 7.46 billion in trade value out of the total USD 22.7 billion. That is a strong signal of trust from India’s business community.”
She also introduced the economic diplomacy team present at the engagement, calling them the “face of Indonesia’s trade promotion efforts in India”—from Mumbai to Chennai to New Delhi.
A Shared Philosophy and Shared Future
Drawing on the deep cultural and civilizational ties between the two countries, the Ambassador invoked the principle of Unity in Diversity, known as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in Indonesia and echoed in India’s own ethos. She recalled the state visit of President Prabowo Subianto to India as Chief Guest for Republic Day 2025 as a milestone moment.
“In many ways, our journeys mirror each other,” she observed. “India@2047 and Indonesia Emas 2045 are parallel national visions aimed at making our countries fully developed by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence.”
Looking Ahead
Closing her remarks, the Ambassador invited Indian businesses, media, and stakeholders to be part of TEI 2025. “Let us walk this road to Trade Expo Indonesia 2025 together—with purpose and pride,” she said.
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