Kadin Indonesia Invites Turkish Investors to Explore Defense, Infrastructure on 75th Anniversary of Indonesia-Turkey Ties

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Anindya Bakrie, the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or Kadin, has called on Turkish investors to explore Indonesia’s vast economic potential, particularly in the defense, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Speaking at the Indonesia-Turkiye Business Forum in Jakarta, he emphasized the untapped opportunities between the two nations, despite their sizable global trade footprints.

“Indonesia’s global trade reaches $600 billion, and Turkey’s trade volume is of a similar scale. Yet, trade between our two countries stands at only about $3 billion—this is far below our true potential,” Anindya said at the event held at the Ritz Carlton, Mega Kuningan, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Currently, Indonesia imports refined oil, machinery, and other industrial goods from Turkey, while Turkey purchases Indonesian commodities such as palm oil and stainless steel. This trade relationship, Anindya noted, presents a foundation for further economic expansion.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

As a strategic gateway to ASEAN, Indonesia presents an attractive market for Turkish businesses, just as Turkey serves as a bridge to Europe. Anindya recalled the deep historical ties between the two nations, dating back to the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire aided the Sultanate of Aceh against Portuguese forces.

In recent years, the two countries have also demonstrated strong mutual support in times of crisis. Turkey provided substantial aid to Indonesia following the 2004 Aceh tsunami, while Indonesia reciprocated with humanitarian assistance after the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey.

“We have consistently strengthened our relations—not only politically and socially but also on international platforms such as the G20. Given that both of our populations are predominantly Muslim, there is a strong cultural affinity that facilitates greater collaboration,” Anindya added.

Photo Caption: Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie with Nail Olpak, President of Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Kadin Indonesia)

Unlocking Investment Potential

Dogan Karadeniz, Chairman of the DEIK Türkiye-Indonesia Business Council, echoed Anindya’s sentiments, pointing out that while the two nations share similar values and aspirations, their trade volumes have yet to reflect their strong diplomatic relationship.

“Indonesia and Turkey have much in common, yet our trade numbers do not do justice to this partnership. We hope that our leaders’ close ties will accelerate economic engagement. As business leaders, we will do our utmost to bring Turkey’s largest enterprises to Indonesia,” Dogan stated.

He also expressed optimism about working closely with Anindya Bakrie to establish a long-term collaboration. “I am honored to have him as a partner. I know the Bakrie family and Anindya personally, and I hope this marks the beginning of a promising future for both our nations.”

To attract more Turkish investors, Anindya highlighted key sectors in which Turkey excels, such as defense and infrastructure, where Indonesia is eager to expand. He cited the electric vehicle industry as a prime example of a mutually beneficial venture, with Indonesia’s rich nickel reserves offering critical raw materials for battery production, which could then be processed in Turkey before being shipped to European markets.

“Turkey has demonstrated strength in defense and construction. We need to attract Turkish investors into these fields, along with infrastructure and healthcare. For instance, Indonesia’s growing EV industry requires battery raw materials, and we have the nickel to supply that demand. The potential for cooperation is immense,” he explained.

Photo Caption: Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, delivers remarks at the Indonesia-Turkiye Business Forum in Jakarta, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Investortrust/Dicki Antariksa)

Expanding Economic Cooperation

Despite the modest trade figures, Anindya remains optimistic about the future. He estimated that if the two nations could tap just 5% of their total trade potential, their bilateral commerce could expand to $65 billion—more than 30 times the current volume.

“The goal is job creation. But beyond that, Indonesia must diversify its trading partners. If our trade remains small, it limits our growth,” he stated.

The forum, marking 75 years of Indonesia-Turkey diplomatic relations, also set the stage for a series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at bolstering cooperation in key industries. Kadin Indonesia is planning follow-up discussions focused on five strategic sectors, including defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.

To maintain momentum, Anindya proposed alternating the business forum’s location between Indonesia and Turkey. “Next year, we could hold it in Istanbul or Cappadocia, followed by Bali, with an expanded agenda,” he suggested.

“This is just the beginning. This business forum is not just another event—it is a pivotal step in shaping a new chapter of our shared history,” he concluded.

Photo Caption: Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie presents a memento to DEIK President Nail Olpak, witnessed by Turkey’s Minister of Trade Omer Bolat, after the Indonesia-Turkiye Business Forum in Jakarta, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Investortrust/Dicki Antariksa)