VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Central Bureau of Statistics –BPS has recorded a balance of trade during 2017 was surplus to 11.84 billion US dollars. Head of the Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto, said that although the trade balance in December 2017 experienced a deficit, overall the trade balance during 2017 grew up. In a press briefing held in Jakarta on Monday (15/1), he explained, the trade surplus worth 11.85 billion US Dollar is much higher than the year 2016. This surplus was supported by the large non-oil and gas trade contribution worth 20 billion US Dollars.

"It can be seen the movement, in 2013 and 2014 there were deficit, in 2015 surplus of 7.67 billion US dollars, in 2016, 9.53 billion US dollars, in 2017 it was the highest surplus of 11.84. We hope and optimistic, in 2018 the surplus will be greater," Kecuk Suhariyanto said.

Suhariyanto further explained, during 2017 there were some countries that have trade surplus such as India, the United States and the Netherlands. However, Indonesia has a trade deficit with China, Thailand and Australia. The trade balance in December 2017 suffered a deficit worth 270 million US Dollars. The export value of 2017 worth 14.8 billion US Dollars fell down 3.45 percent from the previous month. The import value worth 15.06 billion, the figure was also down compared to November 2017. When combined, the December 2017 trade balance suffered a deficit of 0.27 billion US Dollars// (Sekar/trs.Rezha)