Brussels, 14 July 2025 — President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, have officially announced a major breakthrough in the long-standing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between Indonesia and the European Union. The deal comes after a decade of protracted talks.

At a joint press conference in Brussels on Sunday (13 July), President Prabowo declared that both sides had reached a significant and strategic understanding.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that we have reached an important breakthrough. After ten years of negotiations, we have finalized the agreement toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which essentially constitutes a free trade agreement,” Prabowo stated.

He emphasized that the process had resulted in a mutually beneficial understanding, with both parties successfully accommodating their respective economic interests in a constructive manner.

“We have made significant progress and have agreed to accommodate each other’s economic interests. We discovered that our interests are, in fact, complementary and mutually advantageous.”

President Prabowo further underlined the strategic importance of the Indonesia–EU partnership in the midst of global uncertainty. He noted that this collaboration could play a meaningful role in ensuring economic and geopolitical stability.

“Europe is a global leader in science, technology, and finance. Indonesia, on the other hand, possesses strategic resources. I firmly believe that this partnership between Europe and Indonesia, a key member of ASEAN, will make a significant contribution to global economic and geopolitical stability.”

Prabowo also praised the successful efforts of senior officials from both sides in resolving all remaining major differences in the negotiation process.

“I am very pleased to see ministers and commissioners from both sides achieve what I would call a strategic breakthrough. At this point, there are no longer any major issues dividing the European Union and Indonesia — and that is something quite extraordinary.”

President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the announcement and commended Prabowo’s leadership in bringing the negotiations to a close.

“I am pleased to announce that we have just reached a political agreement on an ambitious free trade agreement — the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). After 10 years of negotiations, we have achieved a major breakthrough. Mr. President, I thank you for your leadership,” said von der Leyen.

She emphasized that the agreement marked a milestone in building a long-term partnership rooted in shared values.

“Together, we are sending a strong message about the importance of a long-term and predictable partnership — built on trust, mutual respect, transparency, and common values.”

Concluding his remarks, President Prabowo expressed hope that the formal signing of the agreement’s implementation could also take place in Brussels, adding a light-hearted note:

“I sincerely hope that as we begin to implement this agreement, we will be able to sign the implementation deal here in Brussels, once again. That would give me the opportunity to return to Brussels!”

The conclusion of this decade-long negotiation marks a major milestone in Indonesia–EU relations and is expected to deliver tangible benefits to both economies.