PRESS RELEASE
Jakarta, November 13, 2025 - Following President Probowo's visit to Brussels on July 13, 2025, Indonesia and the European Union have reached a political agreement to conclude long-term negotiations on the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA). This achievement marks a new chapter in Indonesia-EU economic relations, paving the way towards a more balanced, mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership.
To explore how I-EU CEPA can open up real opportunities for Indonesian exporters, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemlu RI) organized a Strategic Discussion entitled "Unlocking Opportunities: Indonesia-EU CEPA and the Future of Indonesian Exports to Europe" on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 14.00 - 16.00 WIB, at Nusantara Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta.
"This is a concrete step by KADIN for the various visits of the Chairman of KADIN Indonesia accompanying our President," said Bernardino M Vega, Vice Chairman for International Relations of KADIN Indonesia.
The remarks delivered by both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Vice Chairman of KADIN Indonesia emphasized the joint commitment to ensure that I-EU CEPA provides tangible benefits for national industries, particularly in boosting export growth and strengthening sustainable trade cooperation with Europe.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, believes that the ongoing global economic transformation not only presents significant challenges but also new opportunities for Indonesia and the European Union. I-EU CEPA is a representation of Indonesia's strategic position in the 21st century global economy, reflecting an attitude of confidence, active engagement, and commitment to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
The forum was attended by Ambassadors of EU member states, government officials, as well as relevant businesses represented by associations from both Indonesia and Europe. The discussion is expected to be a strategic platform for policy dialog, business engagement, and joint reflection on how Indonesia can take advantage of new opportunities under the I-EU CEPA framework.
For more than a decade, KADIN Indonesia has played a central role in shaping Indonesia's approach to the IEU-CEPA negotiations. As a bridge between the government, private sector, and international partners, KADIN has consistently championed business interests on issues of market access, standards alignment, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Acting. Director General of Americas and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Indonesia-EU CEPA is not just a trade instrument, but a strategic partnership that strengthens supply chain resilience, green transition, and people-to-people connectivity.
Through ongoing collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce, trade organizations and exporters, KADIN is strengthening long-term business connectivity and building trust between Indonesian and European industry players. As the I-EU CEPA moves into the finalization stage, KADIN reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all Indonesian businesses - both large and small - are ready to take advantage of the opportunities of this comprehensive partnership.
Interactive discussion sessions brought together leading export-oriented sectors with great potential in the European market.
Representatives from various associations namely GPEI (Association of Indonesian Export Companies), APRISINDO (Indonesian Footwear Association), AGTI (Indonesian Garment & Textile Association), APKI (Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association) and GAPKI (Indonesian Palm Oil Association) expressed their views regarding the direction of trade policy between Indonesia and the European Union, especially in the context of sustainability and increasing national export competitiveness.
Liana Bratasida, Chairperson of APKI, emphasized the importance of synergies between trade policies and environmental commitments. "We need to ensure that trade policy and environmental standards can go hand in hand - maintaining competitiveness without compromising our commitment to sustainability," she said.
From the footwear sector, Dewi from APRISINDO expressed her view that this economic cooperation can be a momentum to strengthen the position of Indonesian products in the global market. "We see CEPA as a strategic opportunity to strengthen competitiveness while ensuring Indonesian products are recognized for their quality and sustainability," she explained.
Meanwhile, Fadhil Hasan from GAPKI highlighted the importance of expanding market access for Indonesia's leading commodity. "The European Union is the third largest market for Indonesian palm oil exports, and we hope to gain wider market access," he said.
Bayu Krisnamurthi, Deputy Minister of Trade (2011-2014) expressed his views on the direction of economic cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union. He considered the importance of synergy between the government and the industrial sector to ensure policy alignment in favor of national interests.
Responding to one industry association's proposal, Bayu expressed his support for the establishment of a joint working group. "I propose a working group between the government and the private sector to ensure technical alignment and context between Indonesia and the European Union," he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a long-term strategy so that Indonesia is not only a supplier of raw materials, but also an important part of the global supply chain. "Indonesia must become part of the EU's strategic supply chain," he said.
The discussion was hosted by Didit A. Ratam, Vice chairman of the Standing Committee on Europe, International Relations, KADIN Indonesia.
The discussion was summarized by Pahala Nugraha Mansury, Vice Chairman of KADIN Indonesia for Trade and International Agreements, who provided a comprehensive perspective on Indonesia's economic diplomacy and the importance of the EU as a strategic trading partner outside the ASEAN region. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach for CEPA to be a catalyst for Indonesia's increased global competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Ahead of the ratification and implementation phase of the I-EU CEPA, this Strategic Discussion highlighted the importance of public awareness, private sector readiness, and cross-sector collaboration.
Through a meeting of stakeholders from government, industry and the diplomatic community, KADIN Indonesia together with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed a shared vision to make Indonesia a stronger, more resilient and competitive trading partner in the European market.
"We really hope that we can jointly oversee the implementation of this agreement, because the benefits and opportunities for Indonesia are enormous," added Pahala Mansury.
Media Contact
KADIN Indonesia - International Relations Division
Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Blok X-5 Kav. 2-3, Jakarta 12950 Email: international@kadin.id | Tel: (021) 5274484 Website: www.kadin.id
