Jakarta – The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Indonesia continues to strengthen collaboration between central and regional governments in responding to global economic dynamics.

Through the regular agenda of Kadin Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Division Monthly Economic Diplomatic Breakfast, held at Hotel Aryaduta, Central Jakarta, on Friday (June 13, 2025), Kadin encourages Indonesian business actors to adopt an international mindset and actively seize global market opportunities.

The event was directly attended by Kadin Indonesia’s Vice Chairman Coordinator for Foreign Affairs, James Riady; Vice Chairman for Organization, Taufan Eko Nugroho Rotorasiko, who represented Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie; Trade Ministry’s Expert Staff for International Relations, Johni Martha; Governor of Central Sulawesi, Anwar Hafid; Regent of Kupang, Yosef Lede; along with several Chairpersons of Kadin Provincial branches and Kadin Indonesia officials.

James Riady stated that this forum serves as an important platform to align perspectives across regions.

He noted that the main challenge facing the business sector today is not only operational but how to develop a global vision amid increasing international competition.

According to James, Kadin consistently organizes such meetings to strengthen synergy between the central and regional levels. He emphasized that Indonesia’s potential is enormous but requires cooperation and mutual understanding among business actors.

“(In this forum) all regional Kadins gather, discuss the latest global situation, and continually remind each other of the potential to build Indonesia,” he said.

He also stressed that to advance companies, business actors must think beyond borders.

“Whatever we need—markets, capital, or specialized labor—we have to go international,” James explained.

Furthermore, James described that Kadin already has many active bilateral committees, and such cooperative mechanisms will continue to be enhanced.

He also highlighted Kadin’s uniqueness as an organization with a solid structure from the central to regional levels.

“This is what we nurture every month so it can be strengthened even further,” he added.

However, James pointed out the low contribution of foreign trade to the national economy, which remains below 40 percent.

He conveyed that Indonesia must start thinking about ways to increase its share in international trade.

“The global market is vast, and we must start taking a bigger part in it,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman for Organization of Kadin Indonesia, Taufan Eko Nugroho Rotorasiko, added that challenges remain in strengthening international relations, especially regarding the lack of information reaching business actors.

Taufan emphasized the need for more structured planning moving forward, as well as more open communication between business and government.

“We want more intensive discussions about monthly planning ahead,” Taufan said.

In the same occasion, Trade Ministry’s Expert Staff for International Relations, Johni Martha, addressed challenges in trade relations with the United States (US).

He explained there are still data discrepancies between the two countries regarding the trade deficit.

According to Johni, the US records an $18 billion deficit from Indonesia, while the Indonesian government calculates the deficit at $14 billion.

“The missing $4 billion is unknown. But clearly, this is our joint homework,” he stated.

Moreover, Governor of Central Sulawesi, Anwar Hafid, said that local governments are currently opening up broad opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and basic services such as education and health.

He regarded the forum as very important because it opens direct dialogue between regions and national business actors.

“This forum is extraordinary. We hope in the future it can also be brought to the regions so entrepreneurs can directly see the potential,” he said.

Similarly, Regent of Kupang, Yosef Lede, expressed that his region urgently needs investment to accelerate development. He hopes the presence of regional leaders in forums like this can stimulate investor interest.

“We strongly hope Kadin can facilitate more entrepreneurs to directly see the potential in Kupang Regency,” he concluded.