ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The bilateral ties between Indonesia and Brazil have entered a new era of strategic momentum.
On October 23, 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil, accompanied by First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva, paid a state visit to Indonesia, reciprocating President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Brasília on July 9, 2025.
The exchange of visits within just three months underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Indonesia and Brazil, which celebrates its 72nd anniversary in 2025.
Brazil remains Indonesia’s sole Strategic Partner in Latin America, serving as both the country’s largest trading partner and biggest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the region.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation in Trade, Energy, and Food Security
During the bilateral talks in Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto and President Lula da Silva reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, agriculture, energy, science, technology, education, and environmental protection.
Both leaders agreed to pursue the goal of boosting bilateral trade to USD 20 billion, in part through the proposed Indonesia–MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement would not only enhance trade between Indonesia and Brazil but also open broader market access to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Indonesia also emphasized the importance of technology transfer in agriculture, livestock, and renewable energy, supporting the country’s agenda for national food and energy security.
Environmental Synergy Toward COP30 and Global Climate Goals
As Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém in November 2025, environmental collaboration stood high on the agenda. President Lula invited Indonesia to deepen joint efforts in preserving tropical rainforests as part of global climate action.
Brazil also praised Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, which has reached over 36.7 million beneficiaries within a year. The Brazilian First Lady is scheduled to visit schools and the MBG pilot site at Halim, East Jakarta, to observe the program’s successful implementation firsthand.
Four New MoUs and Major Business Deals Signed
The state visit produced a Joint Communiqué and four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the following areas:
1. Statistics,
2. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures,
3. Mining and energy,
4. Science, technology, and innovation.
President Lula’s delegation included 110 business representatives from key sectors. The Indonesia–Brazil Business Forum resulted in four major business deals, including:
A partnership between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and APEX Brasil,
PLN with J&F S.A.,
Indonesia Energy Corporation (IEC) with Aguila Energia e Participações Ltda (AEP),
PT Danantara with JBS N.V., one of Brazil’s largest agribusiness companies.
These collaborations are expected to expand investment flows and advance green energy and agribusiness cooperation between the two nations.
A New Chapter in South–South Cooperation
This marks President Lula’s second state visit to Indonesia, following his first in July 2008 during his initial presidential term. The renewed engagement symbolizes a new chapter of South–South diplomacy, reinforcing the shared vision of Indonesia and Brazil as two leading emerging economies from the Global South committed to sustainable development, energy resilience, and climate justice.
Through this strengthened Indonesia–Brazil Strategic Partnership, both nations are setting a model for how developing countries can drive inclusive, equitable, and sustainable global growth. (AT Network)
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