EU Ambassador Praises Prabowo Administration for CEPA Resolution

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The EU Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, Denis Chaibi, has praised the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration in resolving the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“Thanks to the support of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration and the President of the European Commission, who met in Brussels on 25 July, as well as the coordination between Minister Airlangga and Commissioner Šefčovič, the negotiations have finally been successfully concluded,” Chaibi said at the Europe Day reception in Jakarta on Thursday evening.

Chaibi stated that the implementation of the CEPA is targeted to take effect in early 2027.

“This shows that only when Europe looks beyond Brussels, and Indonesia looks beyond various differences, can both parties realise their great potential for cooperation,” he said.

According to Ambassador Chaibi, this potential is also evident in the cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS).

He conveyed that the European Union has also expressed a strong desire to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia, including on issues related to Gaza and Lebanon.

“In addition, both parties are also facing the impacts of various global crises, which demonstrate the importance of maintaining international security and stability,” he stated.

Furthermore, Chaibi assessed that relations between Indonesia and the European Union continue to develop through people-to-people ties, including cultural activities such as the European Film Festival, which will begin in June, as well as the increasing interest among Indonesians in pursuing education in Europe.

“These relations are strengthened through cooperation in education, culture, technology, and investment via the Global Gateway initiative, with prospects for a strategic partnership that is viewed increasingly positively,” Chaibi said.