Indonesia boosts exports with Rp2.5b herbal agreement to Saudi Arabia

Jakarta – Indonesia has secured a Rp2.5 billion (approximately US$150,000) export agreement for herbal products to Saudi Arabia, marking a promising step in expanding the country’s presence in the Middle Eastern wellness market.

The deal was formalized through a Letter of Agreement signed between Indonesian company PT Dami Sariwana and its Saudi partner, Al Itholah Trading. The agreement represents an initial shipment commitment and signals growing international demand for Indonesian herbal products.

Director General of National Export Development at the Trade Ministry, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the achievement reflects strong collaboration between businesses, the government and Indonesia’s overseas trade representatives in opening new market access.

“This milestone demonstrates how synergy among stakeholders can translate into tangible export opportunities. We hope this initial shipment will pave the way for broader market penetration of Indonesian herbal products in the Middle East,” she said in a statement on Friday.

Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Jeddah head Bagas Haryotejo noted that the rising trend of health-conscious lifestyles in Saudi Arabia has created favorable conditions for herbal products from Indonesia to gain traction.

To ensure the sustainability of the business partnership, ITPC Jeddah conducted thorough due diligence on the Saudi importer before the agreement was signed.

“This preventive measure is essential to ensure the credibility of business partners and to provide a sense of security for Indonesian exporters,” Bagas said.

The agreement covers three flagship herbal products: male vitality supplements, blood sugar control supplements and weight management products. The first shipment, consisting of one container, is scheduled for July, pending compliance with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulations.

The partnership is expected to further strengthen the positive trajectory of Indonesia–Saudi Arabia trade relations, particularly in the non-oil and gas sector.

Between January and April 2026, total non-oil trade between the two countries reached US$1.02 billion. Indonesia recorded exports of US$675.80 million and imports of US$345.90 million, resulting in a trade surplus of US$329.90 million.

In 2025, total non-oil trade stood at US$3.94 billion, with Indonesian exports accounting for US$2.88 billion, significantly higher than imports valued at US$1.06 billion. This resulted in a surplus of US$1.82 billion for Indonesia.

The latest herbal export deal is expected to contribute to sustaining this surplus while strengthening Indonesia’s position as a key supplier of natural health products in the region.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara