7-Mar-2025
The Express Tribune
Indonesia and Pakistan plan to strengthen ties through new agreements and a potential FTA, focusing on trade in key sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and EVs. Indonesia, a major nickel producer, aims to expand its EV supply chain, while both countries seek joint ventures in lithium batteries and palm oil production. The collaboration aims to address the current trade imbalance and leverage Indonesia’s strong economic growth.
18-Feb-2025
European Trade Justice Coalition
Over 120 civil society organizations and trade unions from Indonesia and Europe today call on the Indonesian government and the EU to stop the negotiations for the Indonesia-EU free trade agreement – the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The organizations warn that this agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, workers, small farmers and fisherfolk.
18-Feb-2025
European Trade Justice Coalition
CSOs in Europe and Indonesia are urging the EU and Indonesia to stop CEPA negotiations. The agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of vulnerable groups, while hindering Indonesia’s ability to develop its own raw materials value chain. The groups also raise concerns about privatization of energy, investor protections, and the inclusion of elements from Indonesia’s "Omnibus Law," which weakens labor protections.
11-Feb-2025
Jakarta Globe
Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) made significant progress in their second round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of 2025. Discussions focused on various trade and investment aspects, with agreements reached in key areas.
21-Jan-2025
Indonesia for Global Justice
Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ) and WALHI (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) released a joint statement raises critical concerns about the proposed Indonesia-EU CEPA. It highlights the potential negative impacts of the agreement, particularly when coupled with Indonesia’s Omnibus Law, on the environment, Indigenous communities, and biodiversity.
25-Nov-2024
Jakarta Globe
The UK encourages Indonesia to follow suit, as Indonesia has already applied to join the bloc in September. During a recent meeting, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for Indonesia’s membership bid and offered to share the UK’s experience in the accession process. Both countries also discussed Indonesia’s candidacy for OECD membership, with the UK pledging technical support.
19-Nov-2024
The Jakarta Post
While a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US could open up the market for Indonesian nickel, the incoming administration’s protectionist stance makes this less likely. Indonesia’s reliance on Chinese investment in its nickel industry could also complicate matters due to ongoing US-China trade tensions.