Airlangga Urges ASEAN to Finalise Digital Economy Agreement
Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto attended the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting held in Cebu, Philippines, on 6–7 May 2026. One of the main agendas of the meeting was the discussion of resolving crucial issues in the negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement or DEFA.
“Our firm target is for the signing of the DEFA agreement to take place in November this year (ASEAN Summit), after undergoing legal scrubbing and domestic consultations in each country,” Airlangga said in an official statement on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Airlangga stated that the development of the digital economy is occurring very dynamically, so ASEAN needs to respond to it wisely. According to him, the DEFA text is not yet fully perfect, but the completion process needs to be finalised promptly while still allowing room for periodic reviews in line with digital economy developments.
DEFA itself was initiated during Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN in 2023. The agreement is touted as the world’s first comprehensive regional digital economy framework and a driver of ASEAN digital economic integration.
Based on a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the comprehensive implementation of DEFA is estimated to increase ASEAN’s digital economy value from US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion by 2030.
All ASEAN member countries, Airlangga said, are committed to completing all substantive negotiations in the 21st round scheduled for May 2026.
Airlangga stated that the ratification process in each ASEAN member country is targeted to be completed within 180 days after signing. According to him, this reflects the urgency and collective commitment of ASEAN countries to promptly realise the benefits of DEFA.
For Indonesia, Airlangga said, DEFA aligns with the National Digital Economy Strategy 2030 and the process of acceding to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or OECD. The agreement is seen as supporting the strengthening of digital infrastructure, the development of digital human resources, the transformation of SMEs, and the enhancement of cybersecurity regulations.
Through DEFA, Indonesia is also seen as having the opportunity to strengthen policies based on international best practices, attract high-tech investments, bolster national data sovereignty, and build an inclusive and competitive digital ecosystem.
The ASEAN economic ministers’ meeting was also attended by several economic officials from member countries, including the Philippine Minister of Trade and Industry Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and Timor-Leste’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.