Indonesia and South Korea Ink Massive $10.2 Billion Deal to Supercharge EV and Digital Sectors

SEOUL, Investortrust.id — Indonesia and South Korea have entered a new era of economic integration, signing a massive $10.2 billion (Rp 162.2 trillion) package of investment deals during the Indonesia–Korea Business Forum in Seoul. The agreements, witnessed by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto, signal a major offensive to attract high-tech capital into Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

The $10.2 billion commitment is a clear signal that Indonesia is doubling down on its "downstreaming" policy under the Prabowo administration. By locking in South Korean expertise in battery materials, carbon capture, and digital infrastructure, Indonesia is positioning itself as the indispensable green-tech hub of Asia. This partnership leverages the Indonesia–Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IK-CEPA) to bypass regional trade friction, creating a direct pipeline for Korean capital to fuel Indonesia’s transition from a raw material exporter to a high-value manufacturing powerhouse.

A Surge in Strategic Foreign Direct Investment

Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of Indonesia Chamber of Trade and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), emphasized that these 17 MoUs are designed to be the primary engine for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the next four years. With bilateral trade already exceeding $18 billion in 2025 and South Korea pouring $28.1 billion into the country since 2021, these new deals represent a significant escalation in scale.

"This is the potential to increase foreign direct investment, create jobs, and boost trade that can bring in foreign exchange," Anindya stated during the forum at the Shilla Hotel. He noted that the collaboration now spans the entire industrial spectrum, from food security and energy to the massive influence of the creative economy.

Danantara and the Power of Low-Carbon Tech

One of the most market-moving developments in the forum involves Danantara, Indonesia’s newly formed investment management agency. Danantara—represented by Chief Investment Officer Pandu Sjahrir—is forging deep ties with Korean financial institutions to de-risk capital-intensive projects in the offshore and renewable sectors.

The signed agreements specifically target high-growth areas including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), the development of specialized EV battery materials, and new renewable energy projects. These sectors are critical for Indonesia to meet its net-zero goals while maintaining the rapid industrialization required for emerging market status.

The IK-CEPA Advantage

The forum serves as a cornerstone of President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit, aimed at fully utilizing the IK-CEPA framework to lower trade barriers. By integrating South Korean manufacturing prowess with Indonesia's vast mineral wealth, both nations are building a "resilient growth" model that can withstand global geopolitical shocks.

"In the midst of current global uncertainty, we must continue to find opportunities so that Indonesia continues to progress and the community becomes more prosperous," Bakrie concluded. The deals also included participation from Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan P. Roeslani, highlighting a unified government front to fast-track these multibillion-dollar projects.

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