Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois-Indonesia Agreement to Expand Trade and Economic Cooperation

Memorandum of Understanding will expand soybean trade and support business, education, and workforce development

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today joined the Ambassador and Director General of American and European Affairs for Indonesia, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas, Illinois leaders, and Indonesian officials to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Illinois and the Republic of Indonesia focused on expanding trade, opening new markets for Illinois farmers, and strengthening cooperation across business, education, and workforce development.

"Illinois and Indonesia are both growing and dynamic economies, poised to lead in the industries of tomorrow, and we know that our future prosperity and growth require strong international relationships," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This Memorandum of Understanding will encourage greater cooperation between Illinois and Indonesia in areas where we have shared interests and shared opportunities, from agriculture and clean energy to medicine and pharmaceuticals and beyond."

"Signing this agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening the direct partnership between Indonesia and Illinois," said Grata Endah Werdaningtyas, the Ambassador and Director General of American and European Affairs for Indonesia. "We look forward to translating this commitment into tangible initiatives that foster innovation, expand trade and investment, and create lasting economic opportunities and shared prosperity for both Indonesia and Illinois."

"Illinois is proud to have a partner in investment and collaboration in Indonesia," said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. "Securing the Indo-Pacific is critical to our national security and economy as a Pacific nation - when they prosper, we prosper. Today's Memorandum of Understanding will help us build on the momentum Illinois and Indonesia have made together by opening new doors for trade, investment, and collaboration."

"This agreement reflects Illinois' commitment to building long-term economic partnerships that create opportunity for businesses, workers, and communities across our state," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. "Indonesia is a growing market, and this agreement will help strengthen trade, attract investment, and open new opportunities for Illinois companies to expand globally."

"This partnership demonstrates our commitment to building stronger economic ties between Indonesia and Illinois," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "By promoting collaboration in agriculture, Illinois' number one industry, we are creating new opportunities for business growth and job creation. We look forward to further developing this important relationship."

"Indonesia is one of the most important soybean markets for Illinois and Illinois producers," said Todd Main, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Director of Market Development. "ISA is delighted to take part in this opportunity to strengthen our relationship, and we look forward to growing together in the future."

Strengthening a Growing Economic Partnership

Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, and Illinois already maintains a strong and expanding economic relationship with the country. In 2024, Illinois exported $715.4 million in goods to Indonesia - an 18% increase from 2023 and a nearly 26% increase since 2019 - making Indonesia Illinois' 20th largest export market and placing Illinois third among U.S. states in exports to the country. Combined imports and exports between Illinois and Indonesia approached $1.7 billion in 2024.

Similarly, Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the fourth-largest exporting state in the nation. Illinois exports totaled nearly $82 billion in 2024, supporting more than 800,000 jobs across the state.

The MOU will encourage investment, commercial partnerships, technological exchange, and business development in:

• Agriculture
• Advanced manufacturing
• Medical equipment, health, and pharmaceuticals
• Semiconductors
• Information technology
• Energy
• Tourism

Opening New Markets for Illinois Soybeans

Illinois is the nation's #1 soybean-producing state, and access to diverse and reliable export markets is essential to the long-term strength of the state's agricultural economy.

Indonesia has emerged as an increasingly important destination for American soybeans, accounting for approximately 5% of U.S. soybean exports in 2025. Through the MOU, Illinois and Indonesia will work to facilitate agricultural trade, strengthen relationships between producers and buyers, and identify new opportunities for Illinois soybeans and other agricultural products in one of Southeast Asia's largest economies.

Building Education and Workforce Connections

The MOU also strengthens cooperation between Illinois and Indonesian universities and promotes scholarships and educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Illinois universities already maintain active partnerships with institutions in Indonesia, and more than 200 Indonesian students are currently studying at colleges and universities across the state. Through the MOU, Illinois and Indonesia will work to expand academic partnerships and prepare students and workers for careers in growing industries.

The MOU takes effect upon signing and will remain in place for five years. Specific initiatives will be developed through future arrangements between participating agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations.