Jakarta, Aug. 4 -- Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso has expressed optimism that Indonesia's trade balance will return to a monthly surplus, driven by the stabilization of global oil prices.

"We are optimistic that as oil prices began to stabilize in June and July, we will hopefully see a monthly surplus," he told reporters after attending the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum here on Tuesday.

"Therefore, on a year-on-year or cumulative basis from January to July, we remain optimistic about a growing surplus," he continued.

He noted that Indonesia's export performance continues to demonstrate positive growth. From January to June 2026, the country's exports rose by 3.9 percent, with the cumulative trade balance maintaining a surpl...