ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia and the United States are preparing to launch a new phase of strategic cooperation in trade and investment.
The Government of Indonesia reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening the investment climate and boosting global investor confidence in Indonesia’s long-term economic prospects.
Through ongoing engagements with international partners and business communities, the Government highlighted the importance of deeper collaboration to address business challenges and unlock Indonesia’s accelerating growth potential. Supported by stable economic fundamentals and continuous policy reforms, Indonesia is positioning itself as an increasingly competitive investment destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized the United States’ role as a critical partner for Indonesia.
“The United States has long been a strategic partner for Indonesia. We understand that historically, major investments have come from extractive industries and, more recently, from the digital economy—which Indonesia greatly needs,” Minister Airlangga said at the 13th US–Indonesia Investment Summit 2025 in Jakarta, November 17, 2025.
According to national data, Indonesia’s exports to the US reached USD 26.4 billion, while imports stood at around USD 12 billion, placing Indonesia at a USD 14 billion trade surplus (the US records a surplus of USD 18 billion).
To support a balanced and sustainable trade relationship, both countries are preparing a series of major commercial arrangements, including:
USD 15 billion in additional energy imports from the United States
USD 4.5 billion in imports of US agricultural products
These measures are expected to help balance bilateral trade flows over the next several years.
Advancing New Investments: Exxon’s CCS Project and Cilegon Refinery
Minister Airlangga also highlighted several strategic initiatives that reflect the growing momentum of Indonesia–US cooperation:
Exxon’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, which Indonesia hopes will be implemented soon as part of the joint commitment to energy transition and emissions reduction.
The USD 4 billion refinery project in Cilegon, inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto, marking a major milestone in Indonesia’s industrial downstreaming and energy independence.
Indonesia and the United States are also finalizing negotiations on new trade and investment agreements, with signing targeted in the near term.
“In the face of global uncertainty, Indonesia continues to maintain solid growth at 5% in the third quarter. Over the past seven years, our economic growth has consistently remained around 5%,” Airlangga stated.
Driving Economic Transformation: Danantara, OECD Accession, and Regulatory Reforms
The Government welcomed positive feedback from various stakeholders on Indonesia’s strategic economic transformation initiatives, including:
Danantara, a priority program of the President designed to transform state-owned enterprises from traditional bureaucratic models into entities integrated within a sovereign wealth fund. The initiative is expected to become a major catalyst for Indonesia’s economic restructuring.
Indonesia’s accession process to the OECD, which continues to progress rapidly. With growing support from member countries and strong policy alignment, Indonesia is optimistic about achieving full OECD membership by 2027.
The Government reiterated its commitment to advancing national structural reforms, including adjustments to regulations under the Job Creation Law and other policy enhancements supporting business competitiveness.
The event was attended by representatives of the US Embassy, the US Chamber of Commerce for Southeast Asia and Oceania, the Board of Governors of AmCham Indonesia, the Managing Director of AmCham Indonesia, and senior officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs. (AT Network)
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