The ASEAN-EU Partnership Must Be Able To Encourage National Economic Growth

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The good relationship established by ASEAN countries and the European Union has entered its 45th year. This relationship is considered to be the momentum of Indonesia to encourage cooperation with the European ASEAN-EU in order to increase national growth. Moreover, in 2023 Indonesia will become the chairman of ASEAN. UGM's international economic and political trade expert, Riza Noer Arfani said this is a moment for Indonesia to improve cooperation with European ASEAN-EU more than just a mere ceremonial. Riza assessed that the Indonesian Force agenda in ASEAN 2023 could be encouraged to connect between industries as well as humans. "So far, ASEAN's partnership relationship with the European Union, limited to diplomatic, ceremonial relations, if it is profitable, will be carried out," said Riza, on Thursday, December 15. Rizal assessed that there are still some things that hinder European ASEAN-EUni relations. For example, the problem in palm oil commodities that get negative campaigns from European Union countries. Then, Rizal continued, about the European Union's lawsuit against Indonesia at WTO on the Nikel case. The Indonesian government prohibits exports of nickel ore raw materials to develop domestic product downstream. "Indonesia's interest prohibits nickel ore exports for the benefit of domestic welfare is not considered. Instead, they are even litigancing to WTO," said Riza. For that, Riza reiterated, in Indonesia's Pregnancy in ASEAN needs to be reaffirmed a partnership, an actual partnership, a common interest between these countries. Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the good relationship established by ASEAN and European Union countries must continue its utilization. This year, said Airlangga, the bilateral relations between ASEAN and the European Union have entered its 45th year. "This good relationship that has been running must be exploited by continuing to maintain a close collaboration between the two regions. Digital Economy, Green Energy, as well as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) sector represents several examples of potential sectors that could be developed," said Airlangga, Wednesday.

Then, Airlangga said that the Chairpersonship of Indonesia in ASEAN 2023 and the Presidency of Sweden in the European Union 2023 are expected to be able to build and encourage sustainable economic growth in both regions. "Both parties certainly want to take strategic synergy steps, take advantage of the important role of Indonesia and Sweden, which hold Chairship in their respective regions in 2023," said Airlangga.

Meanwhile, Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) researcher Sugiyono Madelan Ibrahim revealed that Indonesia will be able to play a major role as Chair of ASEAN in 2023. Sugiyono predicts that Indonesia will be able to become a bridge in the economic sector between Asean and the European Union.

"Usually it plays a positive role," said Sugiyono. According to him, ASEAN's stable economic conditions will greatly help facilitate cooperation with the European Union. Not to mention, the condition of the European Union which is now facing an energy crisis due to the Russian-Ukrainian war. "Other countries in Asean also benefit from it. Especially now that next year the world's economic estimates will weaken. In Southeast Asia, it is not, especially Indonesia," he said. In addition, Indonesia is also considered to have experience as the Chair of Asean and establish bilateral relations with the European Union. For example, said Sugiyono, Indonesia is able to face problems related to CPO exports which are considered by the European Union not to adhere to sustainable principles. "I believe so. Indeed, Indonesia is very experienced in this, as Chair of ASEAN," he concluded.