TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said the national export market is changing. For the first time, BPS chief Suhariyanto said, China is now Indonesia's largest export destination countries, taking over the United States' position.

Exports to China totaled at US$1.55 billion (Rp20 trillion), about US$120 million higher compared to the export value to America. Suhariyanto said the trend change indicates uncertainties in the US market after the presidential election.

Suhariyanto said US' lagging trade needs to be responded by extending the market. BPS' data also shows that exports to India also soared to US$1.32 billion, a new record since India had never even been in the top three export partners of Indonesia.

Bogor Institute of Agriculture's economist Bayu Krisnamurthi said there are some commodities and processed goods with potentials to be improved such fisheries, oil palm, rubber, and rattan.

"APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) members will agree on 157 products to be traded," said the former Deputy Trade Minister.

The ASEAN Economic Community Center Manager of the Ministry of Commerce, Tri Mardjoko, said there is great potential in the trade of the ASEAN Economic Community. But he acknowledged that the competition is very tight, because of ASEAN countries' highly competitive industry.

"We need all the help we can get so that Indonesia will not only serve as a market,"

DESTRIANITA | ANDI IBNU