Indonesia Pushes for Accelerated Indonesia-GCC FTA Finalization with Saudi

RRI.CO.ID, Milwaukee – Indonesian government officially urged the accelerated finalization of the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (Indonesia-GCC FTA) with Saudi Arabia to expand bilateral market access. This strategic meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministerial Meeting held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

This economic diplomacy step follows the significant progress achieved by both nations during the fourth round of negotiations in Riyadh earlier this year. The Indonesian government considers this comprehensive agreement crucial for strengthening trade cooperation and ensuring secure investments for both parties.

Indonesia's Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, underscored Indonesia's full commitment to resolving all remaining investment issues and investor protection measures. He expressed hope that trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and GCC countries would be further strengthened.

"Indonesia is fully committed to completing the Indonesia-GCC FTA negotiations, including discussions on investment and investor protection. We hope Saudi Arabia's support will drive the finalization of the negotiations so that trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and GCC countries can be further strengthened," Budi stated during the meeting, as cited from a written ministry press release on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

This acceleration commitment is supported by strategic proposals to enhance food sector cooperation to ensure quality supplies for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Saudi Arabia welcomed this push while proposing the establishment of a permanent Indonesian Village within the upcoming Expo Riyadh series.

Beyond trade and investment, both ministers discussed opportunities for cooperation in various other mutually beneficial strategic fields. These priority sectors encompass energy, minerals, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and human resource development.

This high-level meeting is expected to successfully wrap up all remaining market access goods negotiations on schedule in 2026. This close synergy between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is believed to boost regional economic growth and tighten long-term bilateral ties.