Interesting news came from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS): Indonesia's export performance in July 2025 reached US$ 24.75 billion, up 9.86% compared to July 2024. This export value was also higher than the export value in June 2025 of US$ 23.44 billion.
In total, Indonesia's exports in January-July 2025 reached US$ 160.16 billion, up 8.03% compared to the same period or year on year (YoY) in 2024. In line with total exports, the value of non-oil and gas exports, which reached US$ 152.20 billion, also increased by 9.55% YoY.
Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Pudji Ismartini said at a press conference on Monday (1/9/2025) that the growth value of Indonesia's export performance until July 2025 was very encouraging.
"Indonesia's exports continue to show a positive trend," Ismartini said.
This increase in export performance was triggered by a significant surge in various commodities. Exports of animal/vegetable fats and oils in January-July 2025 reached US$ 19.41 billion, up 82.72% YoY. This growth also directly boosted export performance, because this commodity contributed to 12.75% of total non-oil and gas exports.
A significant surge was also recorded from exports of machinery and mechanical equipment and parts. Namely, it grew 69.02% YoY, bringing it to US$ 4.66 billion. This commodity contributed 3.06% of total non-oil and gas exports.
In addition, commodities of various chemical products also recorded a 63.74% YoY growth to US$5.34bn. These commodities contributed 3.51% of total non-oil and gas exports.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's import value from January to July 2025 reached US$ 136.51 billion, up 3.41% YoY. In line with total imports, the value of non-oil and gas imports also rose 6.97% to US$ 118.13 billion. The amount of imports in July 2025 reached US$ 20.57 billion, down 5.86 percent compared to July 2024. Likewise, non-oil and gas imports fell 1.29% to US$ 18.06 billion.
Thus, Indonesia's trade balance from January to July 2025 experienced a surplus of US$ 23.65 billion. In detail, it came from a non-oil and gas sector surplus of US$ 34.06 billion, while the oil and gas sector had a deficit of US$ 10.41 billion. This is the 63rd consecutive month of trade balance surplus.
Strategy to maintain performance
Economic observer from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) Eko Listiyanto said that the role of exports in economic growth is quite important. Especially, increasing foreign exchange and job creation. Thus, its performance must be maintained, not to slow down.
The export achievement in July is a good achievement amid uncertain global economic conditions. He hopes that the export value in August can also exceed the achievement in July 2025.
To boost export performance, the government must implement two strategies. Namely, making the best use of existing trade agreements and diversifying markets.
The first strategy is to utilize existing trade agreements. Because, it is useless for Indonesia to keep adding trade agreements but not utilizing them.
Indonesia has many trade agreements such as regional agreements. These include the ASEAN Free Trade Area (ATIGA), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and bilateral agreements such as Indonesia-Japan (IJEPA) and Indonesia-Australia (IA-CEPA). According to Eko, Indonesia can take advantage of these trade agreements by understanding the contents of the agreements, as well as using digital and UMKM support.
"Study the existing trade agreements again. If you already understand how to play, then add more new ones," he told SUAR in Jakarta (1/9/2025).
"Study the existing trade agreements again. If you understand how to play, then add more new ones," said Eko Listiyanto.
The second strategy to boost exports is to diversify markets to new countries, such as Africa. Most countries on this continent are experiencing stable economic growth, which can be utilized.
Read also:
Benedictus Krisna Yogatama
Engine of transformation
Chairperson of the Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association Shinta Kamdani suggested that business actors must be able to become engines of transformation, agents of change for good, including to improve export performance.
The business world can diversify markets to boost exports. There are still many markets that have not been explored, such as the African continent. In addition, the business world must also renew export commodities. Don't just stick to the same commodities.
Export commodities must be different from competitors. There must be innovation, so that it is favored by the market. According to him, Indonesia may rely on old commodities, but how can these old commodities evolve into high-value products.
Export commodities must be different from competitors. There must be innovation, so that it is favored by the market.
"It's time to make a change for the export market, especially since Indonesia has many trade agreements," he told SUAR in Jakarta (1/9/2025).
To boost exports, the Indonesia Eximbank Institute has officially launched a strategic study book entitled Central Java Dares to Go Global. It presents a comprehensive strategy to make Central Java an export powerhouse for Indonesia in the global market.
This book is the result of collaboration across institutions, including the Central Java Provincial Government, Indonesia Eximbank, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Bank Indonesia (BI), the Directorate General of Customs and Excise Central Java Yogyakarta, and Bank Jateng.
The book covers the economic portrait and export potential of Central Java, analysis of leading sectors such as textiles, furniture, food and beverages, footwear, and fishery products, as well as financing strategies, SME empowerment, and strengthening the export ecosystem. The book also presents export challenges and opportunities, quick win and long-term strategies, and practical tips for becoming a new exporter.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasized the importance of exports as a driver of the regional economy. He hopes that this book will be a real guide in optimizing the export potential of Central Java.
"I hope this book is not only read, but also implemented. Let's make every recommendation an inspiration for real action," said Luthfi last weekend.
Plt. Indonesia Eximbank Executive Director Sukatmo Padmosukarso stated that the launch of this book coincides with the 80th anniversary of Central Java, which is interpreted as an invitation to move together.
"We invite all stakeholders, namely the government, banks, associations, communities, and UMKM, to collaborate in improving export literacy, business matching, certification, financing, and branding of Central Java products," he said.
Central Java's exports are still dominated by the textile, wood products, footwear and furniture industries. However, these four sectors in total only contribute around 14% to the GDRP of the manufacturing industry. This shows that the leading export sectors do not fully reflect the main strength of Central Java's manufacturing structure.
