Global uncertainty continues to reshape trade, investment, and supply chains. Yet amid these challenges, Indonesia is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving international economic landscape. Speaking before policymakers, business leaders, and international stakeholders in Brussels, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto outlined how Indonesia is strengthening its economic resilience while expanding its role in global cooperation.
Airlangga delivered the economic growth remarks of Indonesia during the Brussels Economic Security Forum (BESF) in Belgium last weekend. The annual event, organized by the European Policy Centre (EPC), is one of Brussels’ leading forums for discussions on economic security, supply chain resilience, trade, investment, technology, and broader global economic developments. The gathering attracted senior European Union officials, representatives from partner governments, business executives, and international media organizations.
Indonesia’s economic performance remains one of the country’s strongest foundations. Airlangga highlighted that the national economy grew by 5.61 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. Inflation has remained under control, while foreign exchange reserves continue to provide stability. Indonesia has also maintained a trade surplus for more than 70 consecutive months, reflecting the country’s ability to navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
To support long-term growth, Indonesia is accelerating economic growth transformation across multiple sectors. Industrial downstream development remains a central priority, alongside efforts to strengthen manufacturing capabilities, advance digital transformation, and expand the green economy. These initiatives are helping Indonesia secure a larger role within global supply chains, particularly in electric vehicles, battery production, critical minerals, and renewable energy industries.
The country’s electric vehicle sector has become one of the clearest examples of this strategy. Indonesia has attracted significant investment from companies and investors across Asia, Europe, and North America. Investment flows have entered various stages of the EV ecosystem, including battery manufacturing, cathode material production, and vehicle assembly operations. Beyond supporting domestic industrial expansion, these developments are contributing to a more diversified and resilient global clean energy supply chain.
Digital transformation is also becoming a major pillar of Indonesia’s economic resilience strategy. The country’s digital economy is projected to surpass USD 130 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2025. That figure is expected to cement Indonesia’s position as Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy.
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At the same time, Indonesia is pursuing greater energy security while advancing its decarbonization agenda. The government continues to promote domestic renewable energy development and implement the B50 biodiesel program. The policy is expected to reduce fuel imports by up to 4 million kiloliters annually. It is also designed to strengthen national energy independence while supporting the transition toward a more sustainable economic model.
While discussing global developments, Airlangga noted that rising geopolitical tensions are placing new pressures on the international economic system. Supply chains, trade flows, and investment activity are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions. In response, he stressed the need for stronger cooperation and a global economic framework that remains open, inclusive, and resilient.
“The international economic architecture is clearly undergoing transformation. The more important question is how we can rebuild a framework that preserves the benefits of openness while strengthening economic resilience. I believe the answer lies not in decoupling, but in diversification. Not in fragmentation, but in cooperation and partnerships,” Airlangga said.
During the forum, Airlangga also explained Indonesia’s approach to strengthening economic security and national resilience. He provided updates on economic cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union, including ongoing efforts to finalize the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). According to him, deeper international cooperation, broader supply chain diversification, and efforts to prevent economic fragmentation are essential to sustaining global growth and stability.
Recent geopolitical developments have underscored those concerns. Conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have demonstrated how quickly geopolitical disruptions can affect global supply chains, investment decisions, and economic growth. Such tensions often lead to rising costs, weaker investment activity, and slower global economic expansion.
As uncertainty increases, many governments have adopted new measures to strengthen economic security. These policies include industrial development programs, investment screening mechanisms, and export controls aimed at protecting national economic resilience from external shocks.
Indonesia, meanwhile, continues to expand its network of strategic economic growth partnerships. Airlangga reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing several major trade agreements, including the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), the Indonesia-Canada CEPA, and the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA).
Indonesia is also continuing its accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Indonesia’s international role extends beyond trade agreements. As a member of ASEAN, the G20, and BRICS, while simultaneously pursuing OECD accession, the country continues to strengthen its position as a bridge between developed and developing economies. This role is becoming increasingly important as nations seek platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and collective solutions to shared economic challenges.
The Brussels Economic Security Forum concluded with remarks from European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing both economic and geopolitical challenges facing the world today.
“Let us work together to build a better economic security framework that strengthens resilience while preserving openness, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth for all,” he concluded.
