Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, emphasized that the presence of business leaders at the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Meeting I Jakarta 2026, held on 7–9 February 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta, must be utilized optimally.

“I think this is very important, because it is being held in Indonesia. So tonight is an opportunity for us to promote Indonesia’s potential, both in investment and trade, so that we can become a major player in APEC,” Budi said after attending the Welcome Reception of ABAC Meeting I 2026 on Saturday evening (7 February 2026).

According to Budi, a World Bank report projects the Asia-Pacific region to grow by around 4.4% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, still above the global average. Meanwhile, the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which covers around 30% of global GDP and population, continues to deepen regional economic integration and expand preferential market access.

“ABAC and governments must continue supporting efforts to promote economic growth in the region. Despite global challenges, the Asia-Pacific still shows strong economic momentum,” he said.

Budi added that Indonesia contributes significantly through its large consumer base of more than 280 million people, supported by increasingly competitive industries and a strategic position in regional value chains. In 2025, Indonesia’s total exports reached US$282.9 billion, while imports stood at around US$241.8 billion, generating a surplus of approximately US$41 billion.

“Indonesia’s economy is also growing in line with the 5.2% growth target for 2025 and is projected to reach around 5.4% in 2026. This reflects strong domestic demand and sustained investment momentum,” he explained.

Investment performance in 2025 was also very strong, particularly with increased foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows toward the end of the year.

“The fourth quarter of 2025 recorded the highest FDI on record. Total investment realization reached approximately US$123 billion, increasing 12.7% year-on-year across various strategic sectors,” he said.

He also stressed that the government has established the sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia as a strategic financing instrument for national development.

“Danantara means the energy to power Indonesia’s future. With the presence of Danantara Indonesia, Indonesia is now a land of opportunity. To maximize these opportunities, Indonesia is committed to creating an increasingly conducive and predictable business environment,” Budi added.

Furthermore, the government continues to promote smoother regional supply chains through simplified procedures, accelerated services, and reduced unnecessary regulatory barriers. Indonesia also emphasized the importance of supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the foundation of the multilateral trading system.

“We must jointly support the WTO as the foundation of the multilateral trading system. To keep the system relevant for businesses, open dialogue and concrete steps toward WTO reform are necessary,” he stressed.

Indonesia is also expanding international market access through various trade agreements.

“Expanding market access is a national priority for Indonesia. The Ministry of Trade is currently actively advancing Indonesia’s international trade agenda, with around 20 international trade agreements being actively managed,” Budi concluded.

Meanwhile, ABAC Indonesia Chair and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, expressed strong appreciation for the government’s support for ABAC Meeting I 2026.

Anindya noted that around 70% of Indonesia’s total trade value is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our trade balance shows a surplus of US$41–42 billion, and 70% of our trade is in the Asia-Pacific. All the members are here,” he said.

He also highlighted the profile of participants attending the meeting, noting that the combined market capitalization of the companies represented reached an impressive US$1.2 trillion. This massive capital strength, he said, represents a major opportunity to attract investment inflows to strengthen Indonesia’s economic fundamentals.

“The Minister of Trade explained well about our economic stability and the success of various reforms in Indonesia. Therefore, we are very optimistic,” he stressed.

Through the meeting, Anindya said the government and the business community agreed to continue promoting Indonesia’s potential to achieve economic self-reliance, in line with the President’s directive.

“The counterpart of ABAC in negotiations is the Ministry of Trade. We use this forum to promote our opportunities. Indonesia needs investment and trade so that, as the President stated, we can stand on our own feet,” he explained.

ABAC Indonesia member and Coordinating Vice Chair for Human Development, Culture, and Sustainable Development at Kadin Indonesia, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, added that ABAC Meeting I 2026 Jakarta holds high urgency as it serves as the forum for formulating the annual agenda.

According to Shinta, this year’s participation level is exceptional, with all 21 APEC member economies sending high-level representatives, including chief executive officers (CEOs), which rarely occurred in opening meetings of previous years.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us at ABAC Indonesia to promote the opportunities and prospects available,” she said.

ABAC Meeting I 2026 discusses five main topics divided into four working groups and one task force: Regional Economic Integration, Sustainability, Digital and Innovation, Connectivity, and the Finance and Economics Task Force. The forum is expected to serve as a catalyst for strengthening trade, investment, and more open and sustainable economic collaboration in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.

All discussions in the meetings will produce policy recommendations to be submitted to APEC governments and APEC Economic Leaders at the conclusion of the meeting series.

Following the Jakarta meeting, the ABAC 2026 series will continue with ABAC Meeting II in Mexico City (22–25 April 2026), ABAC Meeting III in Pattaya, Thailand (7–10 July 2026), and ABAC Meeting IV in Shenzhen, China (14–16 November 2026).

The event is sponsored by Sinarmas, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Harum Energy, BYD, Bank Mandiri, and China LESSO Group. Strategic partners include Royal Golden Eagle and Elang Mahkota Teknologi, with additional support from Bluebird Group, Sarinah, Mustika Ratu, and VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas.