Indonesia Achieves Major Breakthrough in Trade Agreement History During President Prabowo’s Era
Jakarta – Indonesia has achieved a new milestone in international trade. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, the government successfully concluded a strategic global trade agreement, hailed as the biggest breakthrough in the history of Indonesian economic relations.
President Prabowo welcomed the important achievements in relations between Indonesia and the European Union, particularly the conclusion of a long-negotiated trade agreement.
This was conveyed by the President in his statement to the media crew after holding a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Brussels, Belgium.
“Thank God, earlier we had a meeting with the European Union, the Commission and Council, the President of the Commission, the EU Commission, and the President of the European Council,” said President Prabowo.
The Head of State revealed that the meeting resulted in significant progress in the form of the completion of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union.
“Extraordinary, a major breakthrough. After 10 years of negotiations, today we’ve achieved a breakthrough; we’ve resolved all the sticking points,” he said.
According to President Prabowo, the CEPA agreement will pave the way for a free trade agreement, with the elimination of almost all tariffs between the two parties.
“Almost all of our tariffs have been resolved, almost all of them are at 0 percent between us,” said the President.
President Prabowo emphasized that the successful conclusion of the CEPA agreement represents a significant step forward for Indonesia in opening up opportunities to enter the European Union market. He also highlighted the region’s economic potential as a vital trading partner for Indonesia.
“So, I think this is a breakthrough. The European Union is a huge market, with a population of over 460 million, a huge GDP, and substantial trade. So, thank God, this is a historic event. We’re in a time of global uncertainty, and now we have strong alternatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership in resolving the CEPA negotiations between Indonesia and the European Union, which had stalled for 10 years.
“I am pleased to announce that we have just reached a political agreement on an ambitious free trade agreement, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). After 10 years of negotiations, we have achieved a major breakthrough. Mr. President, I thank you for your leadership,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
Ursula added that the achievement of this agreement is a strong signal that both parties are committed to building a long-term relationship based on the principles of mutual trust and shared values.
With the CEPA agreement between Indonesia and the European Union, Indonesia has affirmed its position as a key player in the global trade landscape. This success not only reflects strong economic diplomacy under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership but also opens a new chapter in more inclusive and sustainable strategic cooperation.
