Indonesia and Europe Forge Stronger Ties wiht CEPA as Cornerstone
Brussels, Belgium – President Prabowo Subianto recently concluded a significant bilateral meeting with António Costa, President of the European Council, signaling a deepening of relations between Indonesia and Europe. The discussions, held on July 13, 2025, at the Europa Building in Brussels, centered around the recently ratified Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and future collaborative opportunities.
A Partnership Built on Mutual Benefit and Trust
The CEPA agreement, a focal point of the meeting, was highlighted by President Prabowo as a testament to the growing trust and shared values underpinning the economic cooperation between Indonesia and Europe.He emphasized the complementary nature of the two economies, pointing to potential synergies in crucial sectors like technology, renewable energy, and the supply of essential resources – including critical minerals and food security components. Indonesia, for example, is a leading producer of nickel, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, while Europe possesses advanced battery technology and manufacturing capabilities. This creates a natural partnership for a sustainable energy future.
“We recognize Europe as a vital region and anticipate its continued leadership in fostering global peace and stability,” President Prabowo stated.”The global landscape is undeniably shifting towards a multipolar order, and a strong, collaborative Europe is essential for navigating this transition.” Recent geopolitical events, including ongoing conflicts and trade tensions, underscore the need for diversified partnerships and a stable international order.
Investing in IndonesiaS Future: Education, Healthcare, and Sustainable Investment
Beyond economic ties, President Prabowo articulated a vision for expanded cooperation in areas critical to Indonesia’s long-term development. He expressed a strong desire to unlock greater educational and healthcare opportunities for Indonesian youth through collaborative programs with European institutions. currently, over 8,000 Indonesian students pursue higher education in Europe annually, a number the President aims to considerably increase through scholarship programs and joint research initiatives.
Moreover, Prabowo emphasized the importance of cultivating a conducive environment for sustainable and responsible investment from European businesses. Indonesia’s ambitious infrastructure projects, including the development of its new capital city, Nusantara, present significant investment opportunities. The President stressed the need for investments that prioritize environmental sustainability and contribute to local economic empowerment. Indonesia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 29% by 2030, as pledged at COP26, aligns with European sustainability goals and provides a framework for green investments.”We eagerly anticipate a more robust and enduring partnership in the years to come,” President Prabowo concluded.The meeting was also attended by Coordinating Minister for the economy Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of trade Budi Santoso, Minister of Investment and downstream/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Belgium Andri Hadi. This high-level delegation underscores the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Europe.