EU and Indonesia choose openness and partnership with political agreement on CEPA

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today in Brussels, President von der Leyen and President Prabowo Subianto of the Republic of Indonesia reached a political agreement on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

This marks a decisive milestone towards its conclusion by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto by September 2025.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe and Indonesia are choosing a path of openness, partnership, and shared prosperity. The agreement will open new markets and create more opportunities for our businesses. It will also help strengthen the supply chains of critical raw materials, essential for Europe’s clean tech and steel industry. I now look forward to its swift conclusion.”

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto said: “This is an important moment. After many years of hard work, we have agreed to move forward. For Indonesia, CEPA is not only about trade, it is about fairness, respect, and building a strong future together. The agreement must support our efforts to grow our industries, create jobs, and strengthen our sustainable development goals. We are ready to finalize it soon, in a way that benefits both our peoples.”

A comprehensive, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial EU-Indonesia agreement will promote trade and investment, foster inclusive and sustainable growth, and enhance the resilience of supply chains. CEPA will support cooperation on critical raw materials, which are vital to both partners’ strategic interests and industrial competitiveness.

Ultimately, CEPA will serve not only as a robust platform for deepening our economic ties but also stand as a defining achievement in the long-standing EU-Indonesia bilateral relationship, anchored in a common commitment to open, rules-based cooperation.

Beyond trade, President von der Leyen and President Prabowo reaffirmed their shared vision for a broader bilateral partnership.

To support people-to-people contacts between the EU and Indonesia, the Commission has adopted a visa cascade decision for Indonesia, ensuring a much quicker and easier access to multiple-entry visas.

They stressed their commitment to further advancing a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind. Indonesia emphasized that its national approach is anchored in the vision of energy self-sufficiency and resilience, as outlined in the Asta Cita. In this context, the Just Energy Transition Partnership and the EU’s Global Gateway are welcomed to support Indonesia’s long-term goals and national priorities.

Both leaders underscored their support for a rules-based international order, closer UN cooperation, and peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Europe and Indonesia remain dedicated to strengthen ASEAN and EU partnership, as both sides actively support peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.

Finally, they agreed that the growing ties between Indonesia and the EU, grounded in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, should lay the foundation for a stronger, more strategic partnership in the future.