Editor’s Note
- Japan Offers Profitable Opportunities for Indonesian Entrepreneurs
- Interaction and Introduction of Indonesian Products
- Indonesian Products Entering Japan Meet Standards
- Export Opportunities Expand to Other Countries
Japan Offers Profitable Opportunities for Indonesian Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Commerce (Kemendag) is collaborating with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to organize a special event for business contacts with Japan. This event will provide opportunities for “business meetings” between Japanese retail and trade companies and local Indonesian manufacturers.
The event also aims to align the quality of Indonesian products with Japanese market standards.
Fajarini Puntodewi, Director-General of National Export Development (PEN) at the Ministry of Commerce, stated that this event will bring together Indonesian suppliers from the furniture, cosmetics, beauty care, and home decor sectors to market their products in Japan through Japanese partners.
“We will be establishing business contacts in collaboration with JETRO. We will involve some of our suppliers for furniture, cosmetics, home decor, and beauty products by collaborating with various partners in Japan. This way, the products can reach retailers in Japan,” Fajarini said during a press conference at the Ministry of Trade auditorium on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Interaction and Introduction of Indonesian Products
She believes that if the collaboration intensifies, export opportunities can also expand to the global market, not just Japan.
“What I mean is, currently the market is only in Japan, but as it grows, they can cooperate more intensively, allowing us to expand our offerings not only to the Japanese market, but also to the global market,” she said.
Fajarini said that these business contacts take place monthly, but this time specifically focused on Japan. She also emphasized that there is no target amount for the transactions, as the purpose of this meeting is interaction and introduction of Indonesian products.
“There’s no target amount (transaction value) yet; this is more of a collaboration; we’re bringing Indonesian products to Japan,” she said.
Indonesian Products Entering Japan Meet Standards
Thirty-one companies from Indonesia and four from Japan participated in this activity. The products discussed ranged from furniture, home decor, cosmetics, and beauty products, all SMEs.
“They were chosen because Japan chose them. They (Japan) chose them, and they are SMEs,” she continued.
She emphasized that one of the main goals of this meeting is to ensure that Indonesian products entering Japan meet the standards required by that market.
“So that products exported by Indonesia meet Japanese standards. So that when we import goods, they also meet their standards, right? That’s why it’s so important to connect companies to ensure that standards are met. Because, for example, when we export goods, they have to meet the needs and demands of the market,” Fajarini explained.
Export opportunities expand to other countries
Shinji Hirai, director of JETRO Jakarta, saw this meeting as a starting point for both parties to better understand Japan’s needs and standards and to assess the quality of Indonesian products.
“Today’s meeting is a starting point. Indonesian suppliers will understand the needs and standards Japan applies, what is acceptable for Japan, and the Japanese will assess the quality of Indonesian products, whether they are suitable for the Japanese market or whether further improvement is needed,” Shinji said.
He hopes that if Indonesian products meet international standards, export opportunities will arise, not only to Japan but also to other countries.
“Of course, if the products meet international standards, they can be exported not only to Japan but also to other countries,” he said.
Several Japanese companies that participated in this business matchmaking session included PT Nitori Trading Indonesia and PT Paltac Trading Indonesia. During the event, the Ministry of Trade and JETRO also showcased local export-quality products registered with INAEXPORT, Good Design Indonesia (GDI), and participants in the Indonesia Design Development Center (IDDC) program. ***obs
