Indonesia-Chile Deepen Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Strategic Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Chile strengthened discussions on cooperation in critical minerals and strategic economic sectors during the 6th Bilateral Consultation Forum (FKB) held in Santiago on Friday, May 7, 2026.

The meeting marked an important milestone for both countries to expand collaboration amid rising global demand for strategic resources and future industrial supply chains.

The Indonesian delegation was led by Director General for American and European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas, while Chile’s delegation was headed by Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Carlos Morán León.

Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple levels, noting that relations between the two nations continue to grow positively, supported by increasing mutual trust, according to the official website of the Indonesian Embassy in Santiago on Friday, May 15, 2026.

A key focus of the talks was the optimization of the Indonesia-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA). Delegates emphasized the need to maximize the agreement’s potential to expand trade access and boost the value of bilateral economic cooperation.

Beyond trade and economic issues, the forum also explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, defense, health, research, and education.

However, critical minerals emerged as a particularly strategic topic, given the significant potential of both Indonesia and Chile as producers of resources vital to global technology and clean energy industries.

The meeting further highlighted preparations for the Indonesia-Latin America and the Caribbean (INA-LAC) Business Mission, scheduled to take place in Santiago on October 1–2, 2026.

Through this initiative, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to building more concrete and mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute directly to economic growth and public welfare.

Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Chile were officially established on September 29, 1965, and continue to evolve with growing strategic importance. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)