As Indonesia moves toward 2026, its economic development strategy is increasingly and consistently shifting toward an Intellectual Property–based economy. Alongside Trademarks, Patents, Industrial Designs, and Copyrights, Geographical Indications (GIs) have emerged as one of the most strategic and impactful IP instruments.
Through the strengthening of the Geographical Indications system, local heritage is no longer treated merely as protected natural or cultural assets, but is transformed into high-value economic assets capable of improving the welfare of producer communities and strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global market.
The role of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP)—together with local governments, universities, producer communities, and Intellectual Property Consultants—in educating the public has been central to this transformation, positioning Indonesia as a leading jurisdiction for Geographical Indications in ASEAN.
Indonesia Leads ASEAN in Geographical Indication Registrations
According to the latest data from DGIP, Indonesia currently ranks first in ASEAN in terms of the number of registered Geographical Indications. As of the end of 2025, a total of 261 Geographical Indications have been officially registered, consisting of:
- 246 domestic Geographical Indications, and
- 15 foreign Geographical Indications that have secured protection in Indonesia.
This data reinforces the findings of the World Intellectual Property Indicators 2025, which identify Indonesia as the country with the highest number of active GIs in the region.
This achievement reflects two significant developments simultaneously:
- The reputation, quality, and distinctive character of Indonesian regional products are increasingly recognized; and
- There is growing public awareness that Geographical Indications are not merely legal symbols, but strategic instruments for preserving economic value, authenticity, and regional competitiveness.
Geographical Indications as an Economic Strategy, Not Merely Name Protection
At the 30 Minutes with the Director General of Intellectual Property forum titled “Indonesia’s Geographical Indication Achievements & the Indonesian Proposal”, held on 16 December 2025, the Director General of Intellectual Property, Hermansyah Siregar, emphasized that the surge in GI registrations reflects a fundamental shift in how local communities perceive the potential of regional products.
According to him, local products are now viewed not merely as commodities, but as territorial identities with strong reputations, quality, and unique characteristics—attributes that have become key drivers of global market appeal.
This achievement is closely linked to DGIP’s comprehensive service reforms, including:
- full digitalization of registration processes;
- accelerated substantive examinations; and
- direct regional assistance through collaborative approaches.
The pentahelix approach—involving local governments, universities, researchers, and Geographical Indication Protection Communities—has been instrumental in accelerating registrations while ensuring high-quality product specification documentation.
Tangible Economic Impact: When GIs Increase Value and Prosperity
Globally, products bearing Geographical Indication labels command prices that are more than twice those of non-GI products. Consumers are not merely purchasing goods, but authenticity, reputation, and guaranteed origin.
This global trend is clearly reflected in Indonesia, as demonstrated by the following examples:
- Gayo Arabica Coffee
Experienced price increases and expanded export access, particularly to Europe, following GI protection. - Bantaeng Arabica Coffee
Prices rose from approximately IDR 350,000 to IDR 750,000, reaching up to IDR 1.5 million at exhibitions. - Amed Bali Salt
Prices increased by approximately 40%, with production areas developing into thematic tourism destinations. - Kerinci Cinnamon
Prices surged from IDR 40,000 to IDR 70,000. - Sikka Ikat Weaving and Berau Cocoa
Demonstrated strengthened market value and cultural identity following GI registration.
These facts confirm that Geographical Indications elevate the value of entire ecosystems, not merely the products themselves.
From Legal Protection to Geographical Indication Tourism
The development of Geographical Indications in Indonesia extends beyond registration and marketing. DGIP has also promoted the concept of “Geographical Indication Tourism,” which connects products with immersive experiences.
Through this approach, consumers and tourists are invited to:
- visit production sites;
- understand cultivation and processing methods; and
- engage with the stories and cultural values behind the products.
Local production centers are thus transformed into sustainable thematic tourism destinations, integrating the creative economy, tourism, and Intellectual Property protection.
Strict Standards and International Credibility
GI registration in Indonesia requires rigorous, science-based substantive examination. Validation relies on objective data—such as product quality testing, geographical conditions, and natural characteristics—to ensure a direct and verifiable link between the product and its region of origin.
This approach ensures that Indonesian Geographical Indications enjoy high credibility in international markets, far beyond mere administrative claims.
International Protection of Indonesian GIs: Toward Global Markets
At the international level, DGIP continues to actively expand protection for Indonesian Geographical Indications abroad. Beginning in 2027, through the implementation of the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), 72 Indonesian Geographical Indications will receive official protection within the European Union.
This framework is designed to prevent the recurrence of past disputes—such as the Gayo Arabica Coffee case in 2008—and to open pathways for GI protection in the handicraft sector, including traditional textiles and batik, in global markets.
This initiative underscores that Geographical Indications have become an integral component of Indonesia’s economic and cultural diplomacy.
Geographical Indications as a Multi-Generational Investment
Unlike short-term economic models, Geographical Indications offer sustainable, long-term benefits. As long as a product’s characteristics and regional link are preserved, GI protection can continue indefinitely and be passed down to future generations.
For local communities, GIs provide:
- legal certainty over product identity;
- enhanced bargaining power in the market; and
- economic opportunities that endure across generations.
Accordingly, Geographical Indications should be viewed not as a cost, but as a strategic long-term investment.
The strengthening of Geographical Indications demonstrates how Indonesia is consistently transforming local heritage into strategic economic assets. From increased product value and tourism development to international protection, GIs have become one of the core pillars of Indonesia’s creative economy.
The challenge ahead is no longer about potential, but about ensuring that more Indonesian local products move up the value chain through precise, measurable, and sustainable Geographical Indication protection.
Should you need more information on Geographical Indication protection in Indonesia and abroad, please contact us through the channels below and receive a FREE 15-minute consultation.
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