Indonesia-Germany Strengthen Cooperation in Key Priority Sectors

KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono welcomed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, marking Wadephul’s first official visit to Asia since taking office in May 2025. His decision to include Indonesia as one of his first destinations underscores the strong and growing partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, both ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key priority areas, ranging from trade and investment to clean energy, labor mobility, and food security.

Quoting kemlu.go.id, Minister Sugiono expressed appreciation for the invitation extended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for a state visit to Berlin in the second half of 2025.

Minister Sugiono also shared insights into President Prabowo’s flagship programs, particularly those focused on eradicating poverty and hunger. In support of these goals, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further expand trade and investment.

Indonesia invited Germany to collaborate through the Danantara initiative, with investment opportunities in priority sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and food resilience.

On labor cooperation, both ministers welcomed the ongoing deployment of Indonesian healthcare workers to Germany and encouraged broader collaboration, including in the hospitality sector. Germany also offered support through language training programs for prospective Indonesian workers.

In the energy sector, Indonesia acknowledged Germany’s leadership role as a co-lead in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in the clean energy transition, including promoting private sector involvement in green investments.

Food security was another key focus. Indonesia invited Germany to support its Free Nutritious Meals Program through sustainable agriculture, livestock partnerships, and solar-powered cold storage technologies.

Both leaders also emphasized the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties by facilitating visa access for students, tourists, diplomats, and service passport holders.

On regional and global issues, including the situation in Palestine, Indonesia called for greater global unity to end the humanitarian crisis and welcomed recent moves by major countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.

Minister Johan Wadephul noted Indonesia’s growing global role, describing it as the world’s third-largest democracy with rapid development and increasing international influence. He emphasized that Indonesia is a key partner for both Germany and the European Union.

Germany and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1952. The meeting served as a significant step in preparing for President Prabowo’s upcoming visit to Germany and in deepening the strategic partnership across various sectors. ***