Indonesian Foreign Minister: Indonesia Commits To Enforce Open, Fair, Inclusive Economic Order And Based On Rules

Strategic discussion of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Kadin. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized Indonesia's readiness to uphold an open, fair, inclusive and regulatory order, as an equal partner in collaborating with the European Union.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono in a video message when opening the Strategic Discussion "Unlocking Opportunities: Indonesia-EU CEPA and the Future of Indonesian Exports to Europe" held by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in the Nusantara Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta.

In his remarks, the Indonesian Foreign Minister said, the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Indonesia-EU CEPA) is a representation of Indonesia's strategic position in the global economy of the 21st century, which reflects confidence, active engagement, and commitment to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

"As an equal partner, Indonesia is committed to working with the European Union in upholding an open, fair, inclusive and regulatory order," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saturday, November 15.

This strategic dialogue is not only part of efforts to strengthen dialogue between the government and the business world, but also emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between the government, industry players, and the community to ensure the successful implementation of the Indonesia's "EU CEPA" and maximize Indonesia's export opportunities to the European market.

Meanwhile, Deputy General Chair for International Relations of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bernadino Vega, ensured the readiness of his party's support to strengthen the presence of Indonesian products in Europe.

"Indonesia and Europe must strengthen trust-based partnerships, with a spirit of collaboration and thinking about the box," he said.

It is known, the Indonesian government is targeting the signing of the Indonesia-EU CEPA in the first half of 2026, with the implementation starting January 2027. The government also hopes that the ratification process will run smoothly on both parties, so that the benefits of CEPA can be felt by the business world soon.

Plt. The Director-General of America and Europe said that Indonesia-EU CEPA is not just a trading instrument, but a strategic partnership that strengthens supply chain resilience, green transition, and inter-community connectivity.

Indonesia-EU CEPA also brings mutual benefits to Indonesia in expanding the export market, and for the European Union in opening access to the largest market in Southeast Asia, with more than 280 million consumers.

This strategic discussion was attended by the Ambassadors of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, the Ambassador of European countries in Jakarta, as well as representatives of industry associations from leading sectors and export-oriented business actors.

The interactive discussion session involved active participation from industry associations discussing aspirations and readiness as well as challenges in entering the European market. The discussion session was closed by the Deputy Chairperson for Trade and Foreign Agreement of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pahala Mansury which emphasized that the Indonesia-EU CEPA is very important so that Indonesia continues to enter the supply chain of the European Union, especially in the framework of a green economy.

The Indonesian government is targeting the signing of the Indonesia-EU CEPA in the first half of 2026, with the implementation starting January 2027. The government also hopes that the ratification process will run smoothly on both parties, so that the benefits of CEPA can be immediately felt by the business world.