- Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has met his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, on Monday on a visit aimed at strengthening economic ties as the two countries look to expand into new markets am
- The two-day visit is expected to deepen Peru’s ties with Indonesia, after the two nations concluded negotiations which began in May on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to global economic leadership on Monday as he welcomed Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to Jakarta for a historic visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and expanding trade opportunities amid shifting global economic landscapes.
The meeting, held at the Merdeka Palace, came at President Prabowo’s personal invitation following their engagement at the 2024 APEC Summit in Peru. The visit culminates in the signing of the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a pact expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and open new gateways for Indonesian goods and services into Central and South America.
“Indonesia is determined to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships across the globe,” President Prabowo said, emphasizing that the CEPA with Peru aligns with his broader vision to diversify markets, strengthen economic resilience, and secure Indonesia’s position as a key player in international trade.
The agreement comes at a critical time, following the recent imposition of higher U.S. import tariffs, including a 19% rate on Indonesian goods. In response, President Prabowo has prioritized expanding Indonesia’s access to alternative markets, ensuring that the nation’s exporters remain competitive and well-positioned despite rising trade barriers.
According to Trade Minister Budi Santoso, the CEPA is “a strategic gateway” for Indonesian industries — including automotive, footwear, and biodiesel — to penetrate Latin American markets. Indonesia currently enjoys a substantial trade surplus with Peru, totaling $290.4 million in 2023.
President Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s intent to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade bloc in which Peru is already a member. This step, he noted, will further solidify Indonesia’s role as a dynamic, outward-looking economy committed to fair, rules-based trade.
Under President Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia is not only defending its economic interests in the face of global headwinds but also taking bold steps to expand its reach and influence, securing new opportunities for growth and prosperity for the Indonesian people.
BY: The Times Union
