Jakarta, Aug. 6 -- Trade Minister Budi Santoso said Indonesia must strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection for high value-added domestic products to safeguard creative rights and boost their competitiveness in global markets.

He said stronger IP protection would secure financial rights over creative works while helping Indonesian products compete internationally.

"Therefore, in every negotiation with other countries, intellectual property is always a key concern because we must protect our national assets in both domestic and global markets," Santoso said Thursday.

He said products backed by strong intellectual property generate economic value while creating jobs and improving public welfare.

The Trade Ministry supports Indon...