REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The governments of Indonesia and the United Kingdom agreed to strengthen the partnership in the field of strategic economy. This commitment was confirmed during a meeting between Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey.
The meeting follows an agreement by President Prabowo Subianto and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 75 years of Indonesia—United Kingdom diplomatic relations in November 2024. One result of the agreement was the establishment of the Indonesia—UK Economic Growth Partnership (EGP), as a new framework for economic cooperation between the two countries.
“EGP will be a platform to drive economic growth and cross-sector collaboration,” Airlangga said.
Strategic issues were also discussed, including responses to global challenges such as trade tariffs and rising protectionism that could disrupt the stability of the supply chain.
Both sides reiterated a commitment to strengthening open, inclusive, and sustainable economic integration. The UK also expressed its support for Indonesia's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Airlangga said that the Initial Memorandum (IM) document will be formally submitted by Indonesia in early June 2025, coinciding with the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting.
Ambassador Dominic Jermey expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's positive attitude towards the process of accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He considered this a form of Indonesia's commitment to promote regional economic integration.
Jermey also said that the UK will launch a UK Industrial Strategy next June, covering energy issues, falling energy prices, and strengthening national industries. The strategy was called to be a priority of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.
In addition to economic issues, educational cooperation was also discussed, including the development plan of King's College London (KCL) campus in Singhasari Special Economic Area (KEK), East Java. The initiative is directed to support improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia and strengthening the competencies of the national workforce.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika