Indonesia Hosts ABAC I 2026 to Pitch Economic Potential to 21 APEC Economies

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia hosts the first meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council I 2026 on Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 in Jakarta to promote its trade and investment potential to business leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies, a move expected to strengthen capital inflows and Indonesia’s bargaining position in the Asia-Pacific.

The meeting took place under China’s ABAC chairmanship and brought together chief executives and senior business figures whose combined market capitalization was estimated at $1.2 trillion, according to Indonesian officials.

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso said the presence of top executives in Jakarta created a rare opportunity to directly market Indonesia’s economic reforms, investment climate, and trade prospects to influential global decision-makers.

“I think this is very important, because it is being held in Indonesia, so tonight is an opportunity for us to promote Indonesia’s potential, both in investment and trade, so that we can become a key player in APEC,” Budi said during the ABAC I 2026 welcome reception at Hotel Shangri-La Jakarta.

He added that outcomes from the series of meetings would be consolidated into formal policy recommendations for future APEC leadership discussions, ensuring business input shaped regional economic cooperation.

Chair of ABAC Indonesia and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kadin Indonesia, Anindya Novyan Bakrie, welcomed the government’s support and highlighted the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region for Indonesia’s economy.

“Earlier the minister conveyed that our trade balance surplus reached $41 to $42 billion, and about 70 percent of our trade is with the Asia-Pacific, and all of those members are represented here,” Anindya said.

He emphasized that the scale of capital represented by ABAC participants offered Indonesia a significant chance to attract fresh investment and reinforce domestic economic fundamentals.

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“The minister explained well about our economic stability and the success of various reforms in Indonesia, so we are very optimistic,” Anindya said.

ABAC Indonesia representative Shinta Kamdani said the Jakarta meeting carried special weight as it set the annual agenda and policy direction ahead of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us at ABAC Indonesia to promote the opportunities and potential that exist,” Shinta said, noting that all 21 APEC economies sent high-level CEO representatives, a rarity for an opening meeting.

She explained that ABAC I 2026 also facilitated Senior Official Meetings that enabled direct dialogue between business leaders and government representatives through working groups addressing current global challenges.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia had a strong stake in APEC cooperation, as around 70 percent of national exports were destined for APEC member economies.

“APEC consists of 21 economies, and about 70 percent of Indonesia’s exports go to APEC countries, so Indonesia needs to support APEC to function well, because this is one of the largest economic groupings and Indonesia needs strong growth through these markets,” Airlangga said.

He added that Indonesia was pushing for greater digitalization, including cross-border payment systems, and highlighting key export sectors such as metals, palm oil, textiles, footwear, furniture, and agricultural products.

Through ABAC I 2026, Anindya said the government and business community were aligned in continuing to “sell” Indonesia’s economic potential to achieve greater self-reliance, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s policy direction.

“Indonesia needs investment and trade so that, as the President has said, we can stand on our own feet,” Anindya said.