Irfan Yulius Yusuf, Secretary General of the Korea–Indonesia Committee of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), presented strategies for advancing Indonesia’s exports through the use of influencers at the “Global Influencer Expo 2025,” held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon and hosted by the HPN-Korea Committee.
In his presentation titled “Strategies for Advancing Indonesia’s Exports Together with Influencers,” Secretary General Irfan stated, “Exports and imports are the two pillars that support a nation’s economy,” adding, “Especially in an era where digital transformation is accelerating, export competitiveness is determined not merely by selling products but by how effectively trust in the brand is built.”
He first emphasized the importance of the export–import structure. He explained, “Exports are a window through which a country introduces its products, services, and technologies to the world, while imports are a pathway that brings in foreign technologies, raw materials, and knowledge to strengthen domestic industrial competitiveness,” and added that “sustainable growth is possible only when these two flows develop in a balanced manner.”
He also addressed Indonesia’s potential. “Indonesia possesses abundant natural resources, a dynamic population structure, and geographical advantages at the center of Southeast Asia,” he said. “To translate these strengths into real outcomes, Indonesia must shift from a traditional raw material–oriented export structure to value-added and brand-driven exports.”
He offered concrete proposals on future cooperation with Korea. “For Indonesia, Korea is not merely a trading partner but an important partner in technology, innovation, and content,” he said. “Going forward, the two countries should expand their areas of cooperation beyond major manufacturing sectors such as automobiles and electronics to include Indonesian MSME (UMKM) products, halal foods, lifestyle goods linked to Korean content, and eco-friendly products.”
Pointing out Indonesia’s challenges, he cited:
– complex regulations and administrative procedures
– difficulties in meeting quality and certification standards
– logistics and distribution costs
– gaps in digital infrastructure
He suggested that “the government, KADIN, companies, and trade-related institutions must work together to digitalize export processes and systematize education, consulting, and financial support for MSMEs.”
Reflecting the theme of the event, he placed significant emphasis on the role of influencers. “Exports today take place not only in ports and warehouses but simultaneously on smartphone screens and social media,” he said, evaluating that “this is precisely where influencers and content creators play a critical role.”
He continued, “Influencers are not merely a promotional tool; they are a channel that conveys trust to consumers. When influencers translate the cultural value embedded in Indonesian products and brands, the stories of producers, and efforts toward sustainability into content, exports can shift from ‘price competition’ to ‘value competition.’”
He also noted, “When Indonesian MSMEs enter the Korean and global markets, collaboration with influencers can greatly contribute to enhancing brand awareness and lowering barriers to market entry,” adding that “KADIN is exploring institutional ways to support this collaborative structure.”
Towards the end of his presentation, Secretary General Irfan stated, “The future of trade is not a competition over who is bigger, but a competition over who is more open, flexible, and proactive in cooperation,” and emphasized, “If Korea and Indonesia understand each other’s strengths and build a multi-layered partnership involving governments, the private sector, influencers, and younger generations, new opportunities will open for both countries.”
He added, “I hope that gatherings like today will help expand networks, discover joint projects, and create momentum for Indonesian products to be recognized not just as goods but as a ‘national brand.’”
At the Global Influencer Expo 2025, Secretary General Irfan Yulius Yusuf drew attention as a speaker who presented the direction for advancing Indonesia’s export structure and proposed new trade strategies for the digital and influencer era, offering practical solutions for Korea–Indonesia economic cooperation.
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