EU Council President Calls Indonesia a Strategic Global Partner

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BRUSSELS, Investortrust.id – President of the European Council António Costa welcomed President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels on Sunday, July 13, 2025, with a strong message of support and recognition for Indonesia’s rising global stature. The meeting marked a diplomatic milestone following the political agreement on the Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), which both leaders hailed as a breakthrough in economic cooperation.

“It’s a great honour for me and a pleasure to welcome you here today in Brussels,” Costa said at the opening of the meeting. “Allow me, first of all, to commend you for this real breakthrough with the political agreement on the competitive economic partnership.”

Costa emphasized that Indonesia, as Southeast Asia’s largest democracy and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, plays an increasingly influential role on the global stage.

“Indonesia is a major force and the largest democracy in the Southeast Asia. Indonesia is a key pillar of ASEAN, and a country whose voice carries growing weight in global affairs,” he said. “Indonesia is a natural and valuable partner.”

Together, the European Union and Indonesia represent a market of more than 700 million consumers. Costa underscored the EU’s readiness to inject “fresh energy” into the relationship and to build a strategic partnership based on shared values.

“We share a commitment to multilateralism, to a rules-based international order and to balanced economic cooperation,” Costa said. “Our partnership is more important than ever, and it is time to inject fresh energy into our relationship.”

Supporting Indonesia's Ambitions

Costa affirmed Europe’s willingness to support President Prabowo’s development agenda, including job creation, sustainable growth, and national resilience in food and energy.

“We are ready to support you in your ambitious agenda to foster robust growth. Create opportunities for the young people in Indonesia, enhance food and energy security,” he said.

He concluded with a powerful call for joint action: “Let this visit be more than a gesture of goodwill and let it mark our shared determination to act together.”

Private Sector Reaction

Teguh Anantawikrama, Vice Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said Costa’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of Indonesia’s strategic importance—not only as an emerging economy, but as a respected global player.

“The agreement on the Competitive Economic Partnership opens vast opportunities for Indonesia to expand exports, attract investment, and boost cooperation in green industry, tourism, renewable energy, and digital economy,” Teguh said.

He also highlighted that the partnership provides legal certainty for investors and opens access to the European market for Indonesian products.

Teguh welcomed the EU’s commitment to support Indonesia’s national goals, saying this alignment is essential for realizing the vision of “Indonesia Emas 2045.”

“This support could translate into stronger cooperation in green infrastructure, agricultural technology, and energy transition—sectors Indonesia urgently needs to develop,” he said.

 

A Path to Global Leadership

Costa’s message, Teguh added, serves as a clear invitation for Indonesia to take on a greater leadership role.

“This is a strong message that the world expects Indonesia to take a more active role in global affairs,” Teguh said.

He argued that the closer relationship with the EU positions Indonesia not just as a partner, but as a bridge between the Global North and South—essential for shaping a more balanced global order.

“Now is the time for Indonesia to take a step further—not merely as a partner, but as a leader,” he concluded.