Bamsoet encourages more measurable cooperation between Indonesia and Italy in the midst of global uncertainty
JAKARTA - In the midst of global economic dynamics and increasingly tight competition in the EU market, the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Italy is considered to need to be directed more measuredly so that it can really have a direct impact on national interests. The assessment was delivered by a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives and also the 15th President of the Indonesian MPR Bambang Soesatyo when he met with the Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang.
According to Bamsoet, Italy is Indonesia's strategic partner in the European Union, especially in the economic, trade, education, culture, and technology sectors. However, this potential must be translated into concrete and long-term cooperation, not just formal diplomatic relations.
Trade data shows that the relationship between the two countries has a strong foundation. In 2024, the value of Indonesian-Italian trade was recorded at around USD 3.9 billion, placing Italy as one of Indonesia's main trading partners in the European Union. The positive trend continued in 2025, supported by Indonesian exports such as footwear, textiles, furniture, fishery products, coffee, and cocoa. On the other hand, Indonesia is still dependent on imports of industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, and technology from Italy.
"As a European industrial power, Italy is relevant to Indonesia's agenda which encourages industrialization and downstreaming. The challenge is to ensure that this cooperation provides real added value, not just trade transactions," said Bamsoet, Friday (16/1/2026).
He highlighted the importance of technology transfer, especially in the aerospace sector, satellites, disaster mitigation, and maritime technology - areas considered strategic for Indonesia as an island nation with a high level of disaster vulnerability.
In addition, the creative industry is referred to as a collaboration space that has not been optimally utilized. Italy is known as a global design and fashion center, while Indonesia has a vast creative base. The synergy of the two is considered to have the potential to strengthen cultural diplomacy as well as the competitiveness of creative products.
Bamsoet also emphasized the importance of accelerating the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). This agreement is considered crucial to open market access, reduce tariffs, and increase the certainty of Indonesian investment in the European Union, including Italy.
"IEU-CEPA is not just a trade agreement. This is a strategic instrument to ensure that the Indonesian-Italian economic relationship is more balanced and sustainable," he concluded.