Prabowo Urges Erdogan to Lower Trade Tariffs Between Indonesia and Türkiye

BOGOR, investortrust.id – President Prabowo Subianto has called for the reduction of trade tariffs between Indonesia and Türkiye to facilitate a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Speaking at a high-level strategic cooperation meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, Prabowo emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

“We want trade between Türkiye and Indonesia to grow significantly,” Prabowo stated during his remarks at the meeting, underscoring the commitment of Indonesia’s political leadership to fostering stronger economic ties with Türkiye.

Push for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Currently, Indonesia and Türkiye do not have a trade agreement in place. To address this, Prabowo stressed the urgency of finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, which he believes will enhance economic cooperation and create more balanced trade relations.

“I urge for a trade arrangement that benefits both countries. At present, the import duties for Indonesian goods remain quite high,” he remarked.

Defense Industry Cooperation

Beyond trade, Prabowo also highlighted Indonesia’s growing cooperation with Türkiye in the defense sector. He noted his recent discussions with key Turkish defense industry players and emphasized Indonesia’s existing collaborations with leading Turkish defense companies.

“We already have strong partnerships with prominent Turkish firms, including Roketsan, Aselsan, Havelsan, and Baykar. We are committed to actively participating in joint programs with Türkiye,” he said.

Prabowo’s meeting with Erdogan also resulted in the signing of 13 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, further cementing Indonesia-Türkiye relations.

This high-level engagement reflects Indonesia’s strategic push to enhance economic and defense ties with Türkiye while addressing trade imbalances that hinder greater collaboration.