Indonesia is moving closer to becoming a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), opening potential access to a combined market of about 590 million people (21/11).

The Government stated that international cooperation remains a key effort in strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global economy.

The CPTPP is a high-standard free trade agreement aimed at improving economic integration and strengthening trade and investment connections across Indo-Pacific member countries.

As of 2025, Australia serves as the CPTPP Chair and continues to encourage deeper cooperation and wider membership under the agreement.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto explained that Indonesia is already familiar with many CPTPP provisions.

“CPTPP is a trade agreement among economies. The provisions in the CPTPP are generally already agreed to in various international agreements, such as the WTO, RCEP, ASEAN, and the OECD accession process. Therefore, we only need several adjustments to laws and regulations to meet the CPTPP commitments,” said Airlangga.

Australia Lists Indonesia Among Future Candidates

In an official statement on Friday (21/11), Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell announced that Australia has identified four candidate countries aligned with the Auckland Principles: Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Australia will begin the accession process with Uruguay and proceed with the remaining three candidates in 2026.

Indonesia welcomed the development, viewing it as an important signal of its readiness and potential to play a larger role in regional economic cooperation.

During a recent meeting in Singapore with Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Airlangga also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advancing its CPTPP accession process.

Economic Opportunities Projected for Indonesia

Indonesia’s future CPTPP membership is projected to bring significant benefits to the national economy.

These include expanded market access, especially with member countries that do not yet have bilateral trade agreements with Indonesia.

Indonesia is also expected to experience opportunities for stronger export growth.

The country may attract additional foreign direct investment, supported by a more transparent and predictable investment environment and deeper economic integration.

CPTPP Expected to Gain Regional Strength

Indonesia’s participation is expected to provide strong added value for the CPTPP.

Its strategic role and position as the largest economy in the region could support greater regional integration, new economic opportunities, and a stronger relevance for the CPTPP as a modern trade agreement.

Indonesia Prepares for Higher Trade Standards

Airlangga emphasized that Indonesia’s participation would move national trade policies toward higher standards.

This shift is expected to support growth in both exports and imports and increase overall trade volumes among CPTPP members.

PHOTO: KEMENKO PEREKONOMIAN

This article was created with AI assistance.