Malaysia’s processed food exports to Indonesia rise 18.5 per cent
An envoy said Indonesia’s emphasis on halal certification offered opportunities for Malaysian SMEs to expand their market presence.
Malaysia exported US$640 million worth of processed food to Indonesia in 2025, marking an 18.5 per cent increase from the previous year, according to Suresh Kumar R Palasanthiran, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) trade commissioner in Jakarta.
Processed food ranked fifth among Malaysian export categories serving Indonesia, said Suresh, who is also Minister Counsellor (Trade) at the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta. Imports of Indonesian processed food increased by 10.8 per cent, reaching US$740 million. Trade between the countries in this category amounted to approximately US$1.38 billion.
At the SIAL F&B exhibition in Jakarta, Malaysia’s Ambassador-designate to Indonesia Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa identified opportunities for Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), citing Indonesia’s greater focus on halal labelling and certification.
Muzafar said the newly established Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council could support Malaysian businesses seeking entry into Indonesia’s food market. Many Malaysian companies already held halal certification, he noted.
The exhibition drew 14 companies from Malaysia, Muzafar said. These included nine Sabah SMEs, which showcased products at the Sabah Pavilion he officiated, alongside five companies representing other parts of Malaysia.
Suresh identified cocoa powder, valued at US$140 million, among the main processed food exports. Non-dairy creamer and filled milk each accounted for US$50 million. He also cited chocolate blocks, sweet biscuits and food flavourings, and said closer halal certification cooperation could ease access to Indonesia for Malaysian producers.
