Indonesia and the European Union (EU) have officially announced a significant breakthrough in the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) after a decade-long process. President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, revealed the achievement during a joint press conference in Brussels. Prabowo expressed satisfaction with the strategic breakthrough, emphasizing that both parties reached a mutually beneficial understanding and accommodated each other’s economic interests constructively.
The partnership between Indonesia and the EU is seen as crucial amidst global uncertainties, with Prabowo highlighting the contribution to global economic and geopolitical stability. Indonesia’s strategic resources combined with Europe’s leadership in science, technology, and finance are believed to have a significant impact on the world’s economic and geopolitical landscape. Both leaders applauded the efforts of their respective officials in resolving key differences in the negotiations, paving the way for the CEPA agreement.
Ursula von der Leyen commended Prabowo’s leadership in bringing the negotiations to a consensus, leading to a political agreement on the ambitious free trade agreement. The CEPA is viewed as a major step towards establishing a long-term partnership based on shared values. Prabowo expressed hope for the official implementation of the agreement to take place in Brussels, adding a light-hearted joke to lighten the mood. With the conclusion of a decade-long negotiation deadlock, the joint announcement signifies a crucial milestone in the positive impact on the economies of Indonesia and the EU.
