Brussels – During his official state visit to Europe, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto achieved a significant milestone in economic diplomacy and geopolitics. His meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels marked a new chapter in Indonesia–EU relations.
“Together, we are sending a clear message about a predictable and sustainable long-term partnership,” stated Ursula von der Leyen.
The meeting produced a political agreement to accelerate the conclusion of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), which had been delayed for more than a decade. This agreement will open wide access to the European market and strengthen Indonesia’s position within global supply chains. One of the key breakthroughs is the agreement on a zero tariff policy for several of Indonesia’s main export products to the European Union, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the international market.
President Prabowo Subianto warmly welcomed this achievement. “We have agreed to sign the CEPA. We have reached many agreements that will accommodate the economic interests of both sides,” President Prabowo affirmed.
President Prabowo’s visit to Brussels was accompanied by technical meetings between Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who finalized the entire substance of the IEU-CEPA. The official exchange of letters marked a joint commitment to swiftly complete the process.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the strategic value of this partnership.
“For us, Indonesia is clearly one of our most important global partners, and we want to continue enhancing and strengthening our relations,” Costa stated.
This diplomatic success has also been welcomed by the business community. Teguh Anantawikrama, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), noted that the IEU-CEPA opens up significant opportunities.
“This agreement not only opens market access but also integrates Indonesia into Europe’s strategic supply chain network,” Teguh remarked.
Meanwhile, Nur Rachmat, an international relations researcher from CSIS, pointed out that the European Union’s commitment to supporting President Prabowo’s domestic agenda will help strengthen Indonesia’s development foundation.
“This momentum can be used by Indonesia to strengthen partnerships in sustainable infrastructure development, precision agricultural technology, and energy transition,” Nur Rachmat explained.
Following his agenda in Belgium, President Prabowo continued his visit to Paris, France. Welcomed by French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, his presence served as a strong symbol of growing bilateral relations. President Prabowo is scheduled to attend France’s National Day, Bastille Day, as a guest of honor, reinforcing Indonesia’s position within a more inclusive and equal global diplomatic landscape.
