In brief
In September 2026 Indonesia recorded a trade balance surplus of US$3.36 billion, slightly below the August figure but still a key buffer for the economy. The surplus was driven by a strong non‑oil and gas trade surplus supported by natural‑resource exports to China, the United States and India, while the oil and gas deficit narrowed. Bank Indonesia’s executive confirmed its commitment to deepen policy synergy to protect external resilience.
Jakarta, Indonesia – In September 2026 Indonesia registered a trade balance surplus of US$3.36 billion, according to data released by Statistics Indonesia on Monday. The figure, slightly lower than the US$3.55 billion surplus recorded in August, signals continued external resilience for the national economy.
Bank Indonesia (BI) welcomed the September surplus and highlighted its importance as a buffer for the economy. Executive Director of BI’s Communication Department Ramdan Denny Prakoso said in a statement that the central bank remains committed to deepening policy synergy with the government and relevant authorities to safeguard external resilience and sustain long‑term economic growth.
“the central bank remains committed to deepening policy synergy with the government and relevant authorities to safeguard external resilience and sustain long‑term economic growth.”
September’s figure brings Indonesia’s cumulative trade surplus for the January‑September 2026 period to US$10.61 billion. The balance was mainly supported by a robust non‑oil and gas trade surplus, which posted a figure of US$5.67 billion. That surplus was bolstered by an increase in exports, which rose to US$26.64 billion from US$25.62 billion the previous month.
High‑value natural‑resource exports drove the strong non‑oil trade. Animal and vegetable fats and oils, precious metals and jewelry, as well as manufactured goods such as iron, steel and electrical machinery, were key contributors. China, the United States and India continued to be the main destinations for these exports.
Indonesia’s oil and gas trade deficit narrowed in September, falling to US$2.32 billion from US$2.54 billion in August. Statistics Indonesia data showed that the contraction in the deficit was achieved because the decline in oil and gas imports outpaced the drop in exports, providing an additional cushion to the overall trade balance.
These developments echo commentary from other Indonesian news outlets, including a report from Republika that noted the September surplus of US$3.36 billion and its role in supporting the economy. The report reiterated Indonesia’s trade performance during the first nine months of 2026, with a cumulative surplus of US$10.61 billion.
Experts suggest that the resilience gained from the trade surplus will help Indonesia weather external shocks, especially those related to commodity price swings and global supply chain disruptions. The sustained exporter growth to major markets such as China, the United States and India is seen as a stabilizing factor for the country’s economic outlook.
Bank Indonesia’s emphasis on policy synergy signals a continued focus on macro‑prudential measures to maintain external balance. The central bank’s stance is part of a broader strategy to align fiscal, monetary and trade policies to protect the economy from external volatility.
For Indonesia, the September trade surplus underlines the importance of natural‑resource exports and diversified trade partners in sustaining long‑term growth. The trade data also offers a buffer, reinforcing the country's position as a resilient player in regional and global markets.
