Jakarta – Economist and Public Policy Expert from UPN Veteran Jakarta, Achmad Nur Hidayat, appreciated the statement made by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the Leaders’ Retreat at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2024 Summit in Lima, Peru, recently.
In the forum, Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to open, orderly, and fair international trade.
Responding to this, Achmad assessed that Indonesia has the potential to become a pioneer in creating a fairer global trade system. Therefore, Indonesia must strengthen its national policies in line with its global commitments.
“By strengthening national policies, playing an active role in global diplomacy, and maintaining consistency in international forums, Indonesia can lead the way toward a fairer world,” said Achmad to reporters on Monday (11/18).
According to him, these efforts could include strengthening domestic sectors such as MSMEs and local industries, so Indonesia would not merely become a bystander in the international market.
Additionally, Indonesia needs to improve competitiveness through technology, logistical efficiency, and access to financing for local businesses. With stronger domestic capabilities, Indonesia’s position in global trade would also be strengthened.
On the other hand, geopolitical challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Gaza crisis demonstrate that the current global system is vulnerable to instability. Indonesia, with its “free and active” foreign policy, has legitimacy to play the role of a mediator in resolving global conflicts peacefully.
Therefore, Indonesia’s success in advocating fair trade at APEC must be followed by consistency in other international forums, such as the G20, ASEAN, and the United Nations.
“By maintaining this consistency, Indonesia can ensure that the agenda of fair trade remains a top priority,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the world needs a system that does not only focus on economic interests but also considers humanity and sustainability.
According to him, free and fair trade must provide equal access for all countries without protectionist barriers that harm smaller nations. A transparent and well-organized system can create fairness in distributing the benefits of trade, including access to technology, markets, and financing.
Cooperation with ASEAN countries, China, and India could create more inclusive alternative markets. Indonesia should also take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhance production efficiency and expand its access to international markets.
“The statement made by President Prabowo at APEC 2024 is a positive step. Indonesia needs to move beyond rhetoric to actual implementation. As one of the largest economies in the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia has a responsibility to set an example in creating a new global system that is more inclusive and equitable,” he concluded. (RR)
