UK Reveals Cooperation Focus with Indonesia, Highlights Economic Reform
Jakarta - The British government has outlined several sectors that are the focus of strengthening cooperation with Indonesia. The move follows the launch of the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, stated that the cooperation between the two countries will focus on a number of strategic sectors that support economic growth, the development of future industries, and the improvement of human resource quality. “This year is also an important momentum because the UK and Indonesia have launched the Strategic Partnership,” Dominic said at the celebration of King Charles III’s 78th birthday in Jakarta on Wednesday (10/6/2026).
Here are the sectors that are the focus of UK and Indonesia cooperation:
- Semiconductors
The UK is encouraging the development of Indonesia’s semiconductor ecosystem through cooperation between Arm Holdings and Danantara Indonesia. According to Dominic, the collaboration includes technology licensing and training for thousands of Indonesian engineers to strengthen national capabilities in the semiconductor sector. “The partnership between Arm and Danantara demonstrates what modern UK and Indonesia cooperation can produce,” he said.
- Maritime
The maritime sector is one of the main pillars of cooperation through the Maritime Partnership Programme led by Babcock International. The programme supports maritime security, shipbuilding, strengthening the shipyard industry, coastal communities, and food security. “This programme supports Indonesia’s maritime security, shipbuilding, coastal communities and food security, while creating jobs in Indonesia and the UK,” Dominic said.
- Trade and Investment
Through the Economic Growth Partnership, the UK and Indonesia are working to expand trade and investment while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. The partnership includes removing trade barriers, investment support, climate and green energy cooperation, and alignment with each country’s national development priorities. “This partnership aims to grow trade and people-to-people links, remove trade barriers, support investment, and cooperate in climate and green energy,” Dominic stated.
- Economic Reform
The UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, stated that the UK also supports Indonesia’s economic reform agenda through the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme. The programme focuses on regulatory reform, strengthening open economies through improving customs systems and trade facilitation, as well as developing financial services and access to financing. “Our Economic Integration Programme has three main focuses. First, regulatory reform; second, open economies including improving customs systems and trade facilitation; and third, the financial services sector and access to financing,” Helen explained.
- Digital Economy
The UK assesses that the digital economy will be one of the main growth engines for the Southeast Asian region in the coming years. Therefore, London has stated its readiness to support the implementation of various digital economy cooperation at both the ASEAN and member state levels. “The digital economy is developing very rapidly and must be a priority for all parties,” Helen stated.
- Green Energy
In the energy and climate sector, the UK supports the development of the ASEAN Power Grid, which is intended to accelerate regional electricity network integration and the transition to clean energy. Additionally, the UK also supports nature-based solution projects in Indonesia to reduce flood risk and strengthen climate change resilience.
- OECD and Intellectual Property
The UK also supports Indonesia’s ambition to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This support runs in parallel with efforts to strengthen the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Indonesia. “We support Indonesia’s economic priorities, including regulatory reform, strengthening intellectual property enforcement, and supporting Indonesia’s ambition towards OECD readiness,” Dominic said.
- Education
The education sector is also a focus of cooperation between the two countries. The UK is encouraging the involvement of Russell Group universities to help prepare Indonesia’s future professionals. The initiative is directed at producing the doctors, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators needed to sustain long-term economic growth. “I am enthusiastic about the Russell Group campus initiative that will help develop the doctors, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will shape the future of Indonesia’s economy and sustain growth for generations to come,” Helen said.