Jakarta, 13 and 20 May 2026: ERIA, in collaboration with the Trade Policy Agency (BKPerdag) of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, successfully concluded the Toolkit for Trade Policy Analysis (TPA) Training, a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening evidence-based trade policymaking amongst Indonesian government officials and ERIA research associates.

The programme concluded with two group presentation sessions held at ERIA’s office in Jakarta on 13 and 20 May 2026.

The training was designed to provide participants with a practical understanding of trade policy analysis tools, trade data interpretation, and policy-oriented analytical approaches to support informed decision-making in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Dr Ben Shepherd, Principal of Developing Trade Consultants, developed and delivered the training materials across all eight sessions. The programme combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to generate policy-relevant insights. It adopted a practical and applied learning approach, aiming not only to introduce analytical methodologies but also to demonstrate how trade policy analysis can directly inform policymaking in areas such as regional integration, trade facilitation, and trade in services.

Twenty government officials from various units within the Ministry of Trade participated in the programme, alongside five ERIA research associates: Mr Anzika, Mr Ardhana Syarif, Ms Fitri Astari Asril, Mr Ryan Bhaskara, and Mr Tomy Waskitho. Participants came from diverse technical and policy backgrounds, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and peer learning throughout the training.

Throughout the programme, participants attended sessions covering trade theory and policy, trade indicators, econometric and equilibrium modelling, services trade policies, and the translation of research findings into policy recommendations.

On 13 May 2026, three groups presented analyses on topics including the role of trade in promoting inclusive growth in Indonesia, comparisons of Indonesia’s trade agreements with partner countries, and Indonesia’s services trade performance within ASEAN. Each presentation was followed by discussions and feedback from Dr Shepherd.

The final session, held on 20 May 2026, featured two presentations examining the implications of evolving global trade dynamics and the barriers facing Indonesia’s textile and apparel exports. Participants discussed policy options and strategic agreements that could strengthen Indonesia’s position in regional and global trade while supporting inclusive and sustainable economic integration.

The session also featured invited ERIA experts who provided feedback and insights: Mr Jeremy Gross, Director of Mekong Affairs and Capacity Building; Dr Dionisius Narjoko, Senior Economist; and Mr Arvin Imamsatria Widijanto, Research Associate.

The programme concluded with remarks by Dr Takayuki Yamanaka, Chief Operating Officer of ERIA, and Dr Rifan Ardianto, Head of the Center for International Trade Policy at BKPerdag. Both speakers emphasised the importance of strengthening analytical capacity, fostering cross-unit collaboration, and promoting evidence-based policymaking to respond to emerging global and regional trade challenges.