Kadin Taps Slovakia as Gateway to EU Market in Strategic Trade Push

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industri, or Kadin Indonesia, the country's most influential business lobby group, strengthens economic cooperation with Slovakia on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 in Jakarta as part of a strategy to secure broader access to the European Union market and reinforce Indonesia position in global trade.

The push was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie and Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar at the Indonesia Slovakia Business Forum held at Kadin Indonesia Tower.

Anindya says Slovakia represents a strategic entry point for Indonesian exports into the European Union, describing the bloc as one of the world largest consumer markets on par with the United States.

He highlights an ongoing trade agreement ratification process that could eliminate up to 98% of tariffs, covering goods valued at around 600 million euros.

“They said Slovakia is a friend of Indonesia in the European Union,” Anindya says. “Once ratification is completed, it means the market opens and 98% of tariffs are removed, amounting to 600 million euros. That is very significant.”

The tariff removal is expected to boost Indonesian exports across key sectors including textiles, garments, footwear, electronics, and furniture.

“This could become a major market for our products, and also strengthen our position in other destinations such as the United States,” Anindya says.

Beyond merchandise trade, Anindya points to Slovakia advanced technological capabilities, particularly in waste processing and water treatment, as areas that align with Indonesia priorities in agricultural downstreaming and food security.

He also underscores Slovakia automotive strength, noting the country produces about 1.2 million vehicles annually despite a population of just over five million, a level comparable to Indonesia output.

“They also have strong education systems producing engineers and medical professionals,” Anindya says. “We want to strengthen connectivity institution to institution, government to government, business to business, and also people to people.”

Anindya frames the cooperation as part of Indonesia inclusive economic diplomacy under President Prabowo Subianto, balancing partnerships with major powers and economic blocs.

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“We need many friends,” he says. “We continue engaging with the United States and China, but we must also build networks with the European Union and BRICS, as our President has done.”

Blanar says Slovakia is ready to elevate relations with Indonesia after a 16 year gap since the last ministerial level visit.

“We are a small country, with only 5.4 million people compared with almost 300 million in Indonesia,” Blanar says. “But that does not mean we cannot cooperate with respect and equality for the future prosperity of our nations.”

He describes Indonesia as a crucial partner in the Indo Pacific, a region he says accounts for 60% of the global population and more than 64% of world GDP.

“The Indo Pacific is strategic for us, and Slovakia is ready to engage more deeply in this region through ASEAN,” Blanar says.

Blanar praises Indonesia foreign policy as pragmatic and well suited to current global challenges.

“We need pragmatic policies today, not hostility, but building networks and creating a positive atmosphere among us,” he says.

He expresses optimism about upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, potentially formalized during a future state visit by the Indonesian president to Slovakia.

“The next level is a strategic partnership that we want to build between our countries,” Blanar says.

In the energy sector, Slovakia offers expertise in nuclear technology, with 62% of its electricity generated from nuclear power.

Blanar invites Indonesia to revitalize existing nuclear cooperation agreements as Jakarta prepares plans for its first nuclear power plant.

“We have sixty years of experience in building, operating, handling incidents, and decommissioning nuclear facilities,” he says. “That experience is something we can offer.”

Slovakia also signals interest in expanding cooperation in defense and education, including scholarships and the ratification of a defense cooperation agreement currently under discussion in the Indonesian parliament.

“First of all, we are human beings,” Blanar says. “If we can trust each other, that is the most important value we can build.”

The forum also sees the signing of a cooperation agreement between Kadin Indonesia and SARIO, Slovakia state agency for investment and trade promotion.

Anindya adds that Slovakia experience as a member of the OECD for more than 25 years offers lessons for Indonesia long term development goals.

“They have felt the benefits and can help us move toward OECD standards, in our own way, not only growing but growing inclusively,” he says.