The Indonesian National Importers Association (GINSI) congratulates Budi Santoso on his appointment as Minister of Trade in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, announced on Sunday night (October 20, 2024).
GINSI Deputy Chairperson Erwin Taufan expressed optimism that under Minister Budi Santoso’s leadership, the national trade climate and activities at both local and global levels will continue to flourish.
GINSI, as a forum for national import business actors, is committed to supporting and positively contributing to improving the trade climate to encourage national economic growth of 8%.
“Moreover, Mr. Budi Santoso is no stranger to the business world, having actively participated in various strategic roles within the Ministry of Trade,” said Taufan on Sunday night.
He added that GINSI is dedicated to continuing its role as a strategic partner of the government, including the Ministry of Trade, which has been functioning effectively.
Budi Santoso, previously Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), has now assumed the role of Minister of Trade in Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet.
Born on February 9, 1968, Budi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from the University of Indonesia and earned a Doctorate in Communication Science from Sahid University.
Budi has had a lengthy career, holding several positions within the Ministry of Trade. In 2010, he was the Head of the Creative Economy Sub-Directorate at the Directorate General of National Export Development, later serving as Trade Attaché in India.
Upon returning from India, Budi was appointed Head of the Program and Cooperation Section at the Directorate General of National Export Development. By 2018, he had served in various Echelon II positions, including Head of the Data and Information Center in 2017, Director of Business Development and Distribution Actors in 2017, and Head of the Organization and Personnel Bureau in 2018.
Budi also held the position of Head of the Finance Bureau from June 2020 to September 2020. From September 2020 to December 2022, he served as Head of the Indonesian Trade and Economic Office (KDEI) in Taipei. His career continued as Director General of Foreign Trade from December 2022 to August 2024. On August 14, 2024, Budi was inaugurated as Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade by Minister Zulkifli Hasan. Additionally, Budi has served as a Commissioner of ID FOOD.