Jokowi Highlights EU Policy Related to Indonesian Exports

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted the policies of the European Union (EU) relating to Indonesian exports. He conveyed this during the series of Commemoration Summits for the 45th Anniversary of the Partnership between ASEAN and the EU in Brussels, Belgium (14/12/2022).

“The president expressed concern about European Union policies that are discriminatory in nature and hinder Indonesia’s commodity exports,” explained Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in a statement via the YouTube channel (15/12/2022).

According to republika.co.id, Retno said that the new policies raise Jokowi’s concern regarding Indonesia exports, especially the deforestation-free commodities policy. One of the commodities included in this policy is palm oil.

In addition, Jokowi pushed the importance of cooperation in the energy transition. According to Retno, Jokowi hopes that cooperation in the context of the ‘Just Energy Transition Partnership’ can be implemented immediately. He also pushed for the Indonesia-EU CEPA negotiations to be perfected. Currently, the negotiations have entered the 12th round. On this occasion, Jokowi conveyed information regarding Indonesia’s leadership priorities in ASEAN next year.

“And Indonesia will soon prepare its design projects,” said Retno.

Apart from meeting with Prime Ministers from European Union countries, Jokowi also held a bilateral meeting with the King of Belgium. During this meeting, Jokowi discussed strengthening investment cooperation between the two countries and cooperation in tackling climate change.

According to Retno, Jokowi said that the opportunities for investment cooperation between the two countries were very large and Indonesia’s investment climate was also very good.

“The president hopes Belgium can increase investment in Indonesia and invite the King of Belgium to visit Indonesia,” he added.