Doorstop Interview with Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia at Paris Orly Airport, France, Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia Teddy Indra Wijaya:
I want to resume the agenda of President of the Republic of Indonesia [Prabowo Subianto] from the last two days that took place in Belgium and France. So, over the past two days, the President has pursued a highly productive agenda.
First, in Belgium, he held meetings with three prominent leaders of the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium, including President of the European Commission, President of the European Council, and His Majesty the King of the Belgians. In Belgium, we achieved a historical breakthrough.
We have secured a positive new term in the Indonesia-European Union CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), which we have pursued since 2016. Under the latest terms of the agreement, Indonesia successfully secured the elimination of export tariffs to the EU, reducing them to zero per cent.
Previously, export tariffs stood at 10 to 20 per cent, but under the new agreement, they have been reduced to zero. This agreement is expected to significantly boost investment, strengthen industrial growth, and stimulate economic expansion.
Furthermore, the fact that there are 27 countries in the EU, comprising a population of approximately 700 million, will benefit Indonesia. With a market of that scale, we can expect Indonesia-Europe cooperation to grow substantially across a wide range of sectors.
Second, in France, Indonesia made history by being invited as the guest of honor at Bastille Day. French President Emmanuel Macron sent a special invitation to President Prabowo Subianto as the guest of honor. This is not an invitation that is sent every year. As you may know, over the past decade, only two world leaders have received an invitation: President Trump in 2017 and Prime Minister Modi in 2018. Surely, this is a great honor [to be invited].
Yesterday, you proved it yourselves that millions of people witnessed the disciplined and courageous performance of the Indonesian National Army, the Indonesian military. This became a source of pride for the Indonesian people. This affirms Indonesia’s growing influence and prominence on the global stage.
That concludes my statement. There might be an official release from the Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you.
Journalist:
Any new agreement with President Macron?
Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia Teddy Indra Wijaya:
Mr. President has already made a statement regarding that matter. Please look forward to Mr. President’s next statement. I think that is all. Thank you. See you in Jakarta.
Journalist:
Regarding the meeting with the Coordinating Ministers in Belgium, as suggested by the Minister, could you tell us about what was discussed during the meeting?
Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia Teddy Indra Wijaya:
That concludes my statement. I think I have resumed it all.
Thank you, everyone.
See you in Jakarta.
Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.
(RD/MEP)