Airlangga Discusses Major Issues at Asian Leaders Roundtable with Former Global Leaders
Jakarta — Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto presented Indonesia’s perspective on global economic dynamics and the increasing importance of strengthening regional cooperation in Asia during the Asian Leaders Roundtable session at the Tokyo Conference 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.
The event was led directly by former Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, with former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono serving as Co-Chair. It was attended by numerous regional economic and policy figures, including former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Heng Swee Keat, former Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Duvvuri Subbarao, former Governor of the Bank of Thailand Tarisa Watanagase, former ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong, and former Malaysian Minister of Trade Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
In his remarks, Airlangga highlighted that the current global order is experiencing significant change, marked by rising power-based politics, protectionism, and declining confidence in the multilateral system.
“These conditions are reflected in the limited progress achieved by global forums such as the WTO in responding to new issues such as digital trade and global supply chain resilience, as well as the increasing tendency of nations to pursue unilateral and bilateral approaches,” he stated.
He also discussed the heating global geopolitical situation, including escalating conflicts involving the United States and Israel with Iran, which is placing pressure on global economic stability.
“The spike in crude oil prices that has exceeded US$100 per barrel, with ongoing fluctuations, and the potential disruption of global energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate that the stability and development of the world economy is significantly influenced by geopolitical dynamics,” he said.
Addressing these conditions, Airlangga stated that Indonesia continues to strengthen national energy resilience, in line with the President’s direction through accelerating the development of energy based on domestic resources.
During this occasion, he also shared important programmes being implemented by Indonesia. Indonesia has currently implemented the Biodiesel B40 programme and is targeting acceleration towards B50. Additionally, the government is also promoting bioethanol development through the E10 programme, which will be accelerated towards E20 implementation.
Regarding renewable energy, Airlangga said Indonesia is also preparing the development of solar power plant capacity (PLTS) up to approximately 800 Gigawatts as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen energy transition and increase national energy independence.
In addressing these conditions, Asia is deemed to have an important role as a balancing force, capable of maintaining global economic stability. The Asian region is projected to contribute approximately 52% to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2050, making the strengthening of regional cooperation increasingly strategic.
Airlangga emphasised that Asia must continue to adhere to the principles of inclusivity and rules-based multilateralism.
“Regional cooperation through various frameworks such as ASEAN, regional economic partnerships, and multilateral forums such as G20 become important instruments to strengthen economic integration, increase connectivity, and maintain regional stability amid great power rivalries and other regions,” he said.
Furthermore, Asia is encouraged to prevent the fragmentation of the global economy into competing blocs. Instead, the region needs to strengthen trade openness, economic connectivity, and strategic cooperation that complement each other to drive shared growth.
“Following President Prabowo Subianto’s direction, Indonesia itself must be centre stage in the global economy because of its solid economic performance amid global uncertainty. Indonesia will also continue to pursue non-bloc diplomacy in navigating this global uncertainty,” Airlangga stated.
During this occasion, Coordinating Minister Airlangga also noted that Indonesia’s economy is projected to grow by approximately 5.4% in 2026, with inflation remaining under control and fiscal deficit well-managed. Additionally, Indonesia has also successfully maintained a trade balance surplus for 69 consecutive months through early 2026.
He also stated that the Indonesian government continues to promote the “Indonesia Incorporated” approach, which is synergy between the government, the business world, and all stakeholders to strengthen national economic transformation and enhance global competitiveness.
Closing his remarks, Airlangga emphasised that Asia has a great opportunity to become a stabilising force in the global economy if the region remains committed to openness, regional cooperation, and strengthening an inclusive and sustainable economic system.
“If Asia remains committed to the spirit of regional openness and rejects a zero-sum approach in great power rivalries, then the 21st century can truly become the Asian century,” concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga.