Trade Minister Promotes Investment Certainty in Indonesia-GCC FTA Negotiations
The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, met with the Government of Saudi Arabia to push for the accelerated conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (Indonesia-GCC FTA).
During the meeting with Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, Budi emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to resolving investment issues, specifically regarding security guarantees and certainty for investors within the negotiations.
“Indonesia is fully committed to concluding the Indonesia-GCC FTA negotiations, including discussions regarding investment and investor protection,” said Budi.
He added that Indonesia hopes for Saudi Arabia’s support in driving the negotiations to completion, thereby strengthening trade and investment cooperation with GCC nations.
The Indonesia-GCC FTA negotiations have shown significant progress following the fourth round held from 19–22 January 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Most of the agreement text has been successfully agreed upon. Indonesia continues to push for the finalisation of discussions regarding market access for goods and other issues requiring consensus, with the aim of concluding negotiations by 2026.
Budi also highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in strategic sectors that benefit both nations. These sectors include energy, minerals, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and human resource development.
Furthermore, Budi proposed cooperation in food product trade as a form of direct support for providing high-quality food for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Minister Al-Kassabi welcomed Indonesia’s commitment to accelerating the conclusion of the Indonesia-GCC FTA negotiations. Saudi Arabia also expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Indonesia in strategic sectors and identifying various areas for joint development.
Additionally, Minister Al-Kassabi proposed the establishment of a permanent “Indonesia Village” as part of the Riyadh Expo 2030 series.