Indonesia's Trade Surplus with the Netherlands Reaches US$3.79 Billion in 2021

According to a report by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), Indonesia's trade balance with the Netherlands recorded a surplus of US$3.79 billion throughout 2021.

This surplus grew by 63.92% compared to the previous year, marking the highest achievement in the last six years.

The total value of trade between Indonesia and the Netherlands also grew by 39.81%, from US$3.92 billion in 2020 to US$5.48 billion in 2021.

Specifically, Indonesia's exports to the Netherlands grew by 48.75% to US$4.63 billion in 2021 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Indonesia's imports from the Netherlands increased by 5.2% to US$846.12 million in 2021.

Historically, Indonesia's trade relations with the Netherlands have been established for a very long time, dating back to the arrival of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) in the Nusantara archipelago, eventually shifting into colonization.

According to recent historical research publications, during the period of 1945-1949, the Netherlands also attempted to re-conquer independent Indonesia through military violence, ultimately prompting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to apologize to Indonesia for the violence that occurred during that period (February 18th).

(See also: Indonesia Experiences Trade Deficit with 10 G20 Members, Which Countries?)