Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
INDONESIA has called on Zimbabwean businesses to take advantage of the weakening rupiah to strengthen trade relations and increase imports of competitively priced products from the Asian nation.
In a statement, Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Arief Hidayat said the recent depreciation of the Indonesian currency against the United States dollar presented practical opportunities for importers, retailers, distributors and small businesses in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Amb Hidayat said the rupiah has weakened by about 3,9 percent against the US dollar over the past six months.
According to historical exchange-rate data, the USD/IDR rate moved from around Rp16 600-Rp16 800 per US dollar in late 2025 and early 2026 to above Rp17 300 in early May this year.
Market reports on May 19, 2026, showed the currency trading at around Rp17 738 per US dollar.
Amb Hidayat said Indonesia continued to maintain macro-economic stability while pursuing policies aimed at supporting the real economy, local production, food security, cooperatives and small-to-medium enterprises.
“This development must be understood in a wider context. Indonesia is working to build a stronger and more inclusive economy,” he said.
“The movement of the rupiah is being monitored, but it can also create new opportunities for international buyers who are looking for quality products at more competitive prices.”
Ambassador Hidayat said the prevailing exchange-rate environment could make Indonesian products more affordable for Zimbabwean businesses seeking reliable and quality goods.
Potential export products include food and beverages, coffee, tea, spices, snacks, textiles, furniture, fashion products, household goods, herbal products, pharmaceuticals and agricultural equipment.
Amb Hidayat said Indonesia was also seeking broader partnerships with Zimbabwean and Zambian firms in distribution, branding, packaging, light processing and two-way trade cooperation.
He urged local supermarkets, wholesalers, SMEs and young entrepreneurs to engage Indonesian suppliers more seriously.
The ambassador said the forthcoming Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, set for October 14 to 18 in Greater Jakarta, would provide a platform for Zimbabwean businesses to meet Indonesian exporters and negotiate long-term trade deals.
The expo will run under the theme “The Ultimate Hub for Global Sourcing”.
Amb Hidayat said Indonesia regarded Zimbabwe and Zambia as important development partners under South-South cooperation.
“Indonesia sees Zimbabwe and Zambia not only as markets, but as partners. We want to build trade relations that are mutually beneficial, realistic and connected to the development needs of our countries,” he said.
