IEU–CEPA Strengthens Indonesia–Europe Economic Cooperation

KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) is not just a trade deal, but also a strong symbol of support for a rules-based international trading system.

Minister-Counselor for Parliamentary Affairs of the EU Delegation to ASEAN, Antoine Rippoll, made this statement at the 9th KAS-CSIS Germany-Indonesia Strategic Dialogue in Jakarta, Tuesday (11/4/2025).

Rippoll stated that, amid current challenges to the international rules-based order, CEPA signals Indonesia and the EU’s commitment to maintaining multilateral trade.

“A forceful signal in support of rules-based international trade is also what CEPA is about. I think at the moment when the international rules-based order is at risk, it’s a very important signal that Indonesia and the EU are giving through CEPA to give credit to the multilateral order and international trade,” Rippoll said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, explained that this year marks an important moment for economic relations between Indonesia and the European Union. The substantial completion of IEU-CEPA lays a new foundation for trade, investment, and stronger economic cooperation.

“This year serves as a very important momentum, given that we have recently just substantially concluded the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. And this lays as a foundation to further our trade, to further our economic cooperation, and is proof that, after nine to ten years of negotiations, there are concrete solutions at play,” She mentioned.

Dyah Roro also said,” We hope that this can serve, not only as a momentum, but also as a path for us to continuously work together amidst the current geopolitical situation.”

The forum provides a platform for stakeholders from Indonesia and Europe to exchange ideas and build stronger partnerships. It aims to enhance strategic dialogue in politics, economics, and sustainable development cooperation.