New Report from UN Trade and Development Outlines a Roadmap for Indonesia to Boost E-commerce and Digital Trade, Empowering MSMEs to Reach Domestic and Global Markets

Jakarta, 12 February 2026 – Indonesia, South-East Asia’s largest digital economy, took an important step today with the national launch of its eTrade Readiness Assessment (eT Ready) – a comprehensive strategic review of the country’s e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem.

Requested by the Government of Indonesia and developed jointly with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the assessment provides an evidence-based roadmap to  advance inclusive, competitive, and sustainable e-commerce and digital trade. The initiative was made possible with the support of Australia.

The report outlines a strategic roadmap to strengthen Indonesia’s e-commerce ecosystem, boosting Indonesia’s participation in regional and global digital markets through encouraging the market access of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), expanded digital payments, and stronger governance and regulatory coordination.

Valued at around USD 90 billion in 2024, Indonesia’s digital economy accounts for over one-third of ASEAN’s total. As the region’s only G20 member, Indonesia places digital trade at the heart of its development strategy, reflected in the “Golden Indonesia Vision 2045” to become a high-income, globally competitive economy.

“Indonesia shows how digital transformation can become a driver of competitiveness and inclusion at the same time,” said Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD. “The eTrade Readiness Assessment supports the Government’s efforts to strengthen coordination, empower MSMEs to access online markets, build trust in digital transactions and ensure that Indonesia’s digital economy continues to grow in a resilient and sustainable way.”

The assessment marks the first UNCTAD eTrade Readiness Assessment conducted in a G20 country and the first to integrate environmental sustainability considerations into the analysis of the e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem, reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that digital growth contributes to Sustainable Development Goals. It underscores Indonesia’s proactive leadership in shaping digital trade policy across emerging and advanced economies.

The eTrade Readiness Assessment provides a comprehensive review of Indonesia’s e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem, covering policy and institutional coordination, technology adoption and infrastructure, MSME participation, legal and regulatory frameworks, digital payments, and financial inclusion. It also integrates cross-cutting priorities, including the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, informal actors, and communities in rural and underserved areas, to help ensure that digital transformation benefits all.

The report, which draws on extensive consultations with national and regional stakeholders across Indonesia, shows strong progress in connectivity, digital payments, and local e-commerce platforms. It offers practical steps to enhance coordination, improve logistics and delivery, build digital skills and facilitate procedures for entrepreneurs, strengthen data protection and cybersecurity, and expand access to finance and digital services for online businesses.

“The findings of this assessment will help guide Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem and foster greater alignment, so that Indonesia’s digital economy grows not only faster, but also fairer, safer, and more resilient,” said the Director of International Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Ditya Agung Nurdianto. “Through close collaboration and coordinated action with UNCTAD and national stakeholders, Indonesia is committed to advancing a digital economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.”

The launch event brought together policymakers, business leaders, academia, civil society, and development partners. The discussion focused on turning national priorities into practical actions that support jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth across Indonesia.

The Indonesia eTrade Readiness Assessment is part of UNCTAD’s global eTrade for all initiative, a UN-led global partnership committed to empowering countries to harness digital transformation in a sustainable and inclusive manner, to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About UNCTAD

UN Trade and Development helps developing countries benefit from the global economy more fairly and effectively, providing research, analysis, technical assistance, and consensus-building support on trade, investment, finance, and technology.

About the eTrade Readiness Assessments

UNCTAD’s eTrade Readiness Assessments provide an analysis of a country or region’s e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem, highlighting key opportunities and constraints, as well as actionable recommendations to strengthen inclusive and sustainable development.