ASIATODAY.ID, LONDON — Indonesia is accelerating its ambitious push to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), but the international spotlight is clear: the United Kingdom is emerging as a strategic gatekeeper in this process.
This was highlighted by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, during his keynote at the KADIN Indonesia x Growth Gateway Roundtable at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) London Office on Monday, January 19.
The high-level forum brought together the Indonesian and UK governments, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and global business leaders to discuss accelerating Indonesia’s OECD accession and its implications for the private sector, particularly under the OECD Investment Framework.
“OECD accession is not merely a technical formality; it is a national strategic priority and a cornerstone for realizing Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Minister Airlangga.
“Aligning Indonesia’s policies with OECD standards will strengthen governance, enhance regulatory quality, and boost national economic competitiveness—driving investment and economic growth to new heights.”
UK as Strategic Gatekeeper
UK Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, emphasized that this meeting marked a critical moment, coming just one day before Indonesia’s President is scheduled to launch the United Kingdom–Indonesia Strategic Partnership.
On the same occasion, Minister Airlangga will sign the Indonesia–United Kingdom Economic Growth Partnership (EGP), cementing the UK’s role as a pivotal partner in accelerating Indonesia’s OECD accession.
Private Sector in Action
Chairman of KADIN Indonesia’s Advisory Board, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, underlined that Indonesia’s large economy requires equally substantial support to achieve higher growth, with OECD accession being one of the most strategic avenues. This view was echoed by Anindya N. Bakrie, KADIN Indonesia’s Chairman, affirming strong private sector backing for speeding up Indonesia’s OECD accession.
During the panel discussion, Tim Figures, a global expert on geopolitics and trade, shared lessons from countries that successfully escaped the Middle Income Trap after joining the OECD.
Meanwhile, Shinta W. Kamdani, KADIN Indonesia’s Vice Chairwoman, stressed the need to continuously communicate the importance and positive implications of OECD accession to international businesses.
Official Kick-off of Strategic Collaboration
The roundtable also marked the official kick-off of private sector involvement in supporting Indonesia’s OECD accession, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Growth Gateway Programme.
The initiative is designed as a strategic platform to strengthen dialogue and collaboration between the government, business sector, and international partners, with the UK as a key accelerator.
“With close collaboration between the government, business community, and international partners, Indonesia is confident it can fast-track its OECD accession, realize the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” concluded Minister Airlangga. (AT Network)
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