Following the conclusion of the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), both sides are now looking to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas of trade and investment. While the agreement is a significant milestone, there remains a need to address the challenges of enhancing business exchanges and deepening industry connections between the two regions.
On Thursday, 18 September 2025, H.E. Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia, and Carsten Sorensen, Head of the EU Trade and Economic Section, met with Mr. Sofyan Djalil, CEO of IBC, and the IBC Institute Team, to discuss how to leverage the CEPA framework to boost business partnerships and tackle these challenges.
The discussion centered on the need for stronger business presence in each other’s markets. The EU side highlighted its commitment to increasing investment opportunities in Indonesia, a move that signals its growing confidence in the country’s economic prospects. Both sides emphasized that the focus should now be on creating tangible opportunities for businesses to thrive under the new framework.
Key to this conversation was how the EU-Indonesia CEPA highlights Indonesia’s readiness to meet EU standards and regulatory framework. Both sides emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration to help businesses navigate these requirements effectively. This approach is expected to streamline the market access and create smoother pathways for Indonesian businesses to engage with the European market.
“We recognize the importance of creating a stronger foundation for business exchanges and collaboration, as both Indonesia and the EU stand to benefit greatly from deeper integration,” said Mr. Djalil, emphasizing the significance of the CEPA agreement in fostering a resilient economic partnership.
As both regions move forward, the meeting concluded with a renewed focus on turning CEPA’s potential into actionable growth opportunities. Whether in sustainable investments, regulatory compliance, or expanding industry linkages, both sides are committed to creating a more dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.