On September 23, 2025, Jennifer Halim, Country Manager for Indonesia at Dezan Shira & Associates, attended the signing ceremony of the Joint Announcement on the Substantive Conclusion of the Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Bali. The event was led by H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Security.
The CEPA grants tariff-free access for 97% of Indonesia’s exports, including palm oil, coffee, spices, textiles, and electronics, while opening Indonesia’s consumer market to European investment in energy, telecom, finance, and healthcare. It also establishes commitments on forests, labor, and the environment.
Speaking on the impact of the agreement, Jennifer Halim noted “The IEU–CEPA is more than a trade deal, it is a strategic partnership that creates tangible business opportunities on both sides. For Indonesia, the agreement lowers trade barriers, aligns standards, and facilitates investment flows, giving industries broader access to European technology, innovation, and supply chains. For the EU, it provides entry to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets and reliable access to natural resources, while offering stronger legal certainty for long-term investments. Together, the IEU–CEPA strengthens competitiveness, accelerates economic diversification, and supports a shared vision of sustainable growth and prosperity.”
Addressing the opportunities under the Agreement, ASEAN Director Marco Forster stated “with US market access becoming increasingly uncertain, Southeast Asia’s largest economy now gains a clearer path to the world’s biggest single market, and vice versa. For years, Indonesia’s comparatively protectionist stance left it trailing Vietnam and Malaysia, both of which captured major gains from supply chain restructuring thanks to their open FDI policies. The IEU-CEPA is a long-awaited turning point, granting EU firms unprecedented access to Indonesia’s vast economy and enabling Jakarta to compete far more effectively for investment, technology, and trade flows in Asia.”
The signing marks a breakthrough after nearly a decade of negotiations, making Indonesia the largest Southeast Asian market to secure such a partnership with the EU.
Jennifer’s participation underscores Dezan Shira & Associates’ commitment to guiding clients through regional integration and investment opportunities. As the agreement takes effect, our Indonesia and Europe teams stand ready to support deeper collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
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