Indonesia Accelerates CPTPP Bid to Boost Indo‑Pacific Role

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is accelerating efforts to secure membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Joining the trade bloc is expected to expand export access, attract investment, and strengthen Indonesia’s role in global supply chains, in line with the “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the provisions of the CPTPP are largely consistent with international trade commitments already undertaken, including those under the WTO, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), ASEAN, and the OECD accession process.

“Therefore, we only need to make a few adjustments to our laws and regulations to fulfill our commitments under the CPTPP,” Minister Airlangga said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday, July 3, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

Indonesia’s accession process entered a new phase after the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting, held virtually on June 26, which agreed to begin preparatory discussions with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This stage is a prerequisite for forming the Accession Working Group (AWG) and achieving full membership.

The CPTPP currently comprises 12 member countries, including Japan, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mexico.

Together, they account for about 15 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and represent a market of nearly 600 million people. The government believes Indonesia’s membership will broaden export markets and boost trade and investment flows.

Indonesia has also received support from several CPTPP members, including the UK, as reaffirmed by the signing of the Indonesia–United Kingdom Economic Growth Partnership (EGP) on January 19.

“This strategic economic cooperation document (EGP) is a tangible manifestation of both countries’ commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic growth,” Minister Airlangga said.

So far, the government has harmonized domestic regulations with 22 chapters of the CPTPP provisions and is targeting full membership by 2027. While pursuing the multilateral path through the CPTPP, Indonesia remains open to bilateral free trade agreements, including with the UK, should negotiations take longer.

Minister Airlangga added that Indonesia’s membership in the CPTPP will strengthen its economic position in the Indo‑Pacific region.

“Indonesia is not the first ASEAN country to join, as Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore are already members. But as the largest economy in ASEAN and the only G20 country in the region, we hope Indonesia’s CPTPP membership will reinforce our position in the Indo‑Pacific,” he concluded. ***