Indonesian exports mark biggest drop in 22 years

Indonesia's exports fell 36 percent in January from a year ago, the biggest drop since 1986, amid plunging demand for the country's vast natural resources and manufactured goods, the statistic's agency reported Monday.

The downward trend _ which began in October _ was in line with declines in exports from other nations across Asia.

January trade data released showed exports, which account for 30 percent of the country's economic growth, fell to $7.15 billion from $11.19 billion the year before, with the biggest drops in shipments of coal, manufactured goods and electronics.

In the last month, there was also a 24 percent drop in oil and gas …