
EU & Indonesia mark milestone in comprehensive trade deal
This marked a crucial milestone, paving the way for its formal conclusion by Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto by September 2025. This milestone underscored the shared commitment of both parties to deepen bilateral economic ties and enhance trade cooperation, the Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam said in a press statement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have reached a political agreement on CEPA in Brussels, marking a major step towards its finalisation by September 2025. The pact aims to boost trade, support sustainable development, and enhance cooperation on critical raw materials. Both leaders also reaffirmed shared goals on clean energy and global peace.
'Europe and Indonesia are choosing a path of openness, partnership, and shared prosperity. The agreement will open new markets and create more opportunities for our businesses. It will also help strengthen the supply chains of critical raw materials, essential for Europe's clean tech and steel industry. I now look forward to its swift conclusion,' said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
'This is an important moment. After many years of hard work, we have agreed to move forward. For Indonesia, CEPA is not only about trade, it is about fairness, respect, and building a strong future together. The agreement must support our efforts to grow our industries, create jobs, and strengthen our sustainable development goals. We are ready to finalize it soon, in a way that benefits both our peoples,' said Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia .
A comprehensive, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial EU-Indonesia agreement will promote trade and investment, foster inclusive and sustainable growth, and enhance the resilience of supply chains. CEPA will support cooperation on critical raw materials, which are vital to both partners' strategic interests and industrial competitiveness.
Ultimately, CEPA will serve not only as a robust platform for deepening our economic ties but also stand as a defining achievement in the long-standing EU-Indonesia bilateral relationship, anchored in a common commitment to open, rules-based cooperation.
Beyond trade, President von der Leyen and President Prabowo reaffirmed their shared vision for a broader bilateral partnership. To support people-to-people contacts between the EU and Indonesia, the commission has adopted a visa cascade decision for Indonesia, ensuring a much quicker and easier access to multiple-entry visas.
They stressed their commitment to further advancing a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind. Indonesia emphasised that its national approach is anchored in the vision of energy self-sufficiency and resilience, as outlined in the Asta Cita. In this context, the Just Energy Transition Partnership and the EU's Global Gateway are welcomed to support Indonesia's long-term goals and national priorities, added the statement.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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