Israel's Imports to Indonesia Reach Rp226 Billion by September 2023

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) states that Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. However, this does not mean there are no economic or trade relations. Every year, Indonesia imports a considerable amount of goods from Israel.

"Although we don't have diplomatic relations, business can still be conducted because this is business to business," said the Acting Head of BPS, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, in a virtual press conference on Monday (16/10/2023).

Amalia detailed that the total value of imports from Israel to Indonesia from January to September 2023 reached US$14.4 million, or approximately Rp226 billion (assuming an exchange rate of Rp15,711 per US$).

The main commodities are machinery, mechanical appliances and parts, classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 84.

In addition, there are tools and equipment made of base metals, classified under HS code 82, and electrical machinery, equipment and parts, classified under HS code 85.

BPS reports that the value of imports from Israel has fluctuated in recent years. In 2020, imports from Israel to Indonesia reached US$56.5 million, equivalent to Rp887.67 billion.

Then, in 2021, the import value plummeted to US$26.5 million, or Rp416.34 billion. In 2022, the value rose again to US$47.8 million, or approximately Rp750.98 billion.

Despite active trade relations, Indonesia rejects diplomatic relations with Israel. This stance is enshrined in Chapter X of the Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Permenlu) Number 3 of 2019, which states:

"To date, Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, and opposes the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and people; therefore, Indonesia rejects all forms of official relations with Israel."