TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As a member of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) with the largest population, Indonesia has a great potential to dominate the ASEAN market.

Minister of Agriculture Suswono said that starting early next year, approximately 565 million people in Indonesia will participate actively to seize the ASEAN market.

"Indonesia should be able to take advantage of this demographic bonus by exporting local products that are capable to compete in the international arena," said Suswono when opening the Surabaya Agro Business Matching & Expo, quoted by Tempo, Sunday, September 7, 2014.

Suswono said nearly half of the total ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 was Indonesian. Thus, he said, the Indonesians have to be motivated to take advantage of export opportunities of local products, which are rich in quality and benefits.

Ministry of Agriculture, he said, is ready to give its support to a variety of programs to accelerate the growing and nurturing fresh and processed agricultural products.

According to Suswono, these products do not only have to dominate the domestic market, but also the international market.

"The world must know the local Indonesian products are one of the best fresh and processed agricultural products," said Suswono.

Suswono further said that the system should be strengthened by upgrading ability of businessmen, farmers and improving technology, facilities and infrastructures.

He also said that it takes a good marketing strategy to manage agricultural products in order to gain a larger market.

"Synergy and reliable capability are essential to meet the challenges and grab the opportunities today and in the future," Suswono said.

YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA