The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) has launched an in-depth support initiative for Indonesian importers bringing Korean food products into the local market, providing a multifaceted approach to help businesses navigate the regulatory and localization challenges that can arise with international imports. This comprehensive program is designed to offer support in customs processes, product labeling localization, and financial subsidies to ease the registration process with Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). Additionally, the program includes critical assistance for pre-registering halal certification, a step that has become increasingly significant for foreign businesses operating in Indonesia.
Lee Seung Hoon, Chief Representative of the Korea Agro-Trade Center (aT Center) in Jakarta, highlighted the program’s mission to streamline the often complex process of importing Korean food products into Indonesia. According to Lee, this initiative reflects Korea’s strategic approach to increasing its food exports while providing foreign importers with targeted assistance to meet local regulatory standards. By offering both logistical and financial resources, the program intends to make the process as smooth as possible, ensuring that Korean products can reach Indonesian consumers with minimal regulatory obstacles.
“This initiative is designed to provide importers with consultation and resources tailored to their specific needs,” Lee stated, emphasizing that the program’s customization is key to its effectiveness. Under this program, importers can benefit from up to 80% in financial support for registration fees, with a maximum yearly subsidy of 200 million won (approximately 2.5 billion Indonesian rupiah) per company. This substantial financial backing makes it possible for a broad range of businesses to participate in the program, from large corporations to smaller enterprises. By alleviating the financial burden of regulatory requirements, aT Corporation is paving the way for Korean food products to expand their reach in Indonesia.
The program also places significant emphasis on halal certification, a prerequisite for many products in the Indonesian market, where halal-certified goods are often preferred by consumers. The support includes pathways to gain SIHALAL certification in Indonesia and offers assistance with Korea’s own halal certification agencies, including the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) and the Korean Halal Authority (KHA). This support ensures that Korean food products can meet the demands of Indonesia’s market, enhancing their appeal and accessibility.
By extending this invitation to Indonesian importers, aT Corporation is not only fostering business but also working toward creating a long-term partnership that will benefit both countries’ food industries. This program represents Korea’s active approach in the global food trade, aimed at enhancing the accessibility of Korean food products and aligning with local consumer preferences and regulatory standards. The support provided reflects a strategic move that stands to strengthen the presence of Korean products in Indonesia’s growing food market.
