InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is preparing a major overhaul of the country’s commodity export governance through the planned establishment of a National Export Agency focused on strategic commodities, particularly crude palm oil (CPO), coal, and mineral-based products.
The initiative is designed to strengthen oversight of Indonesia’s commodity trade flows while addressing long-standing concerns over under invoicing practices, which have been blamed for reducing potential tax revenues, royalties, and export foreign exchange earnings entering the domestic financial system.
In its initial phase, the new agency is expected to focus on high-value export sectors, especially palm oil and coal, both of which remain key contributors to Indonesia’s export revenues. The government believes integrated supervision could improve transparency in commodity trading while enhancing control over export foreign exchange proceeds.
The proposed concept has been described as a “Strategic National Commodity Platform,” a centralized national commodity trading framework that would allow the government to capture recurring trading margins from Indonesia’s commodity exports.
Beyond foreign exchange control, the agency is also expected to provide more transparent and accurate export price and volume data, potentially strengthening Indonesia’s macroeconomic resilience amid sustained global demand for energy and vegetable oil commodities.
The official announcement regarding the National Export Agency is widely expected to be delivered directly by President Prabowo Subianto during his presentation of Indonesia’s 2027 Macroeconomic Framework and Fiscal Policy Guidelines at the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Wednesday (20/5/2026).
Several cabinet ministers have already signaled the government’s intention to establish the new institution, although details remain limited. Investment and Downstream Minister Rosan Roeslani urged the public to wait for the formal announcement.
“Just wait until tomorrow. There will be a full explanation,” Rosan said following a meeting at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry office on Tuesday (19/5/2026).
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa also gave a brief response when asked about the export agency plan.
“Tomorrow,” he said shortly.
Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia did not deny the possibility of the agency’s formation.
“Yes, we’ll see later,” Bahlil remarked.
Market participants are now closely watching the direction of the government’s policy, particularly its potential impact on the rupiah exchange rate, Indonesia’s stock market, and the future governance of strategic commodity exports. (T2)
