KAPMI: Young entrepreneurs must leverage IEU-CEPA to become exporters

The Central Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Chamber (BPP KAPMI) has said young Indonesian entrepreneurs must leverage the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) to become exporters.

“Young entrepreneurs are our front-line troops. IEU-CEPA is a ‘golden ticket’ for them,” said BPP KAPMI Chairman Muliansyah Abdurrahman in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Muliansyah said young business actors can seize golden opportunities from IEU-CEPA, such as in the digital and creative services sectors. Young Indonesians excel in gaming, animation, design and applications. With IEU-CEPA, service barriers will be reduced. Indonesian startups can enter the European market.

“In the green and sustainable products sector, Europe greatly needs ESG products. Young entrepreneurs can seize opportunities in eco-friendly fashion products, organic food, halal cosmetics and new renewable energy technology. This aligns with President Prabowo’s vision on energy security and the environment,” he said.

In the collaboration sector, IEU-CEPA opens opportunities for joint ventures and internships. Young people can learn technology from Europe, then bring that technology home to build domestic industry.

“My message and KAPMI’s message is: do not just be spectators. Leverage IEU-CEPA to become exporters, not merely resellers,” said Muliansyah.

For information, the government is targeting the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) document to be signed by October 2026.

After the ratification process, the trade cooperation framework will be brought to each parliament for deliberation.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said a Presidential Regulation will be issued to make IEU-CEPA a priority in discussions at the House of Representatives level.

After the derivative regulation in the form of a Government Regulation is issued, IEU-CEPA is expected to come into force from early 2027.

Furthermore, Airlangga assessed that the implementation of the trade agreement will be a game changer for Indonesia as it opens broader market access for both parties.

In addition, the implementation of IEU-CEPA is also expected to unlock new investment potential from the European Union into Indonesia.