European Council President Praises Indonesia’s Global Role, Backs President Prabowo’s Agenda

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, holds a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Europa Building in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by: BPMI Setpres)

European Council President António Costa expressed his appreciation for the significant progress in reaching an agreement for the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). President Costa described this achievement as a meaningful breakthrough that marks a new chapter in relations between the two parties.

“For us, Indonesia is one of the most important global partners, and we want to enhance and strengthen our relationship,” said President Costa during his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Europa Building in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

According to President Costa, Indonesia is one of the EU’s most significant global partners. With a combined consumer base of over 700 million people, both regions have great potential to strengthen balanced and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

“Indonesia is a major force in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy, a key pillar in ASEAN, and a country with an increasingly influential voice in global affairs,” President Costa added.

President Costa also noted that the EU and Indonesia share a commitment to multilateralism, a rules-based international order, and inclusive development cooperation. “Our partnership is becoming even more important today, and it’s time we inject new energy into our relationship,” stated President Costa.

The European Council President also expressed the EU’s readiness to support President Prabowo’s development agenda, including efforts to boost economic growth, create jobs for the youth, and improve food and energy security.

“Our trade agreement will deepen our exchanges and build a strategic partnership that reflects our shared goals,” President Costa remarked. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MUR)