Prabowo Touts Breakthrough in EU Trade Talks During Visit With Jokowi in Solo
Main Takeaways
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SOLO, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted Indonesia’s landmark trade deal with the European Union during a visit to the private residence of former President Joko Widodo in Solo on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Prabowo was joined by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in a courtesy call that underscored continuity between the current and previous administrations. They were welcomed by Widodo and his wife, Iriana, at around 6:00 p.m. local time.
During the meeting, Prabowo detailed the outcomes of his recent 15-day state visits to several countries, including Belgium, France, Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized a major diplomatic success: the completion of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA), which had been under negotiation for ten years.
“I told him about the breakthroughs we achieved, especially with the European Union. After a decade of negotiations, we’ve finally made it,” Prabowo said on Sunday.
He also discussed emerging trade opportunities with Belarus, a country he visited during the tour. Prabowo noted Belarus’ demand for Indonesian commodities such as natural rubber, and its interest in exporting potash to Indonesia.
“Alhamdulillah, we achieved some promising results. Belarus needs our rubber and other goods, and they have potash that we may need,” he added.
President Prabowo Subianto arrives at the residence of former President Joko Widodo in Solo, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Photo: Presidential Media Team
Affirming Non-Aligned Foreign Policy
Prabowo used the visit to reaffirm Indonesia’s neutral stance in global geopolitics, emphasizing its identity as a non-aligned nation committed to peaceful cooperation with all partners.
“I am continuing Indonesia’s tradition as a non-aligned country. We don’t take sides in any geopolitical bloc,” he stated.
While Indonesia participates in multilateral groups like BRICS for economic cooperation, it also maintains ties with Western institutions, including its application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), he said.
“Indonesia respects all countries and wants to be friends with everyone. We do not interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations. And this approach is being well-received globally,” Prabowo noted.
The President was accompanied by several senior officials, including Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo.