Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has secured a significant breakthrough during his visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. In a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Indonesia and the European Union successfully concluded the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
“Today, we have achieved a breakthrough. After 10 years of negotiations, we have agreed on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which is essentially a free trade agreement,” stated President Prabowo.
The agreement will open significantly wider market access for Indonesia, including the elimination of nearly all trade tariffs between both parties. President Prabowo emphasized that this marks a mutually beneficial and strategic partnership amid current global dynamics.
“We have reached many agreements that, at their core, accommodate the economic interests of both parties and are mutually beneficial,” he added.
Ali Rif’an, Executive Director of Arus Survei Indonesia, described President Prabowo’s success in finalizing the CEPA negotiations as a strategic move that expands Indonesia’s economic reach.
“Prabowo has broken through the CEPA negotiation deadlock that lasted for more than a decade. This is not merely a diplomatic achievement but a clear signal that Indonesia is building its foreign economic architecture more actively and boldly,” said Ali.
He highlighted the importance of the agreement with the European Union for Indonesia, especially in reducing dependence on a single global economic power such as the United States.
“With the CEPA, Indonesia is no longer solely dependent on one major power like the US. This is critical for our economic independence amid current geopolitical tensions,” Ali stated.
Ali also stressed that this success must be followed by domestic readiness, particularly from the industrial sector and SMEs, to meet the high standards of the European market.
“The door has been opened by the President. Now, the challenge lies at home: how the government and private sector can ensure that Indonesian products can enter, compete, and sustain in the European market,” he concluded.
President Prabowo’s European tour also included a visit to Paris, France, where he was a guest of honor at France’s National Day, Bastille Day.
