The Indonesian government has taken a bold step to strengthen economic ties with Europe. On September 30, 2025, the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), together with the Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia, launched the EU Investment Desk. This new platform is designed to accelerate EU investment in Indonesia and follows the completion of negotiations for the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
BKPM’s Role in Strengthening EU Ties
The EU Investment Desk highlights Indonesia’s ambition to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) while ensuring transparency and accessibility. Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Head of BKPM, Rosan P. Roeslani, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “For Indonesia, the establishment of the EU Investment Desk is a significant step toward creating a more responsive, transparent, and accessible investment ecosystem—not only for large multinational companies but also for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
Rosan further explained the government’s broader objective. “Our goal is to turn regulatory certainty into actual investment realization. We want European investors not only to see opportunities but also to recognize certainty and fairness,” he said. The initiative reflects Indonesia’s effort to provide a structured environment where both big corporations and SMEs can thrive while contributing to job creation and sustainable economic growth.
EU Investment in Indonesia Shows Untapped Potential
The data indicates significant opportunities for expansion. In 2023, foreign direct investment accounted for about 1.6 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product. This relatively low percentage shows that the market remains under-served by international capital, leaving ample room for growth.
Meanwhile, EU member states contributed USD 13.7 billion in investments over the past five years, creating more than 220,000 jobs. Rosan noted that these numbers are promising but still fall short of their true potential. “This figure represents a large potential that has not yet been fully optimized,” he explained. With the EU Investment Desk in place, both sides expect to channel more resources into sectors that can deliver long-term economic benefits.
Indonesia Investment Opportunities After IEU-CEPA
The completion of IEU-CEPA negotiations set the stage for deeper collaboration between Indonesia and the European Union. The agreement strengthens regulatory frameworks and removes barriers that have historically slowed investment. Now, opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, and the digital economy are more accessible for European companies.
The government also aims to use this desk as a hub for policy reforms and investment incentives. By aligning regulations with investor expectations, Indonesia positions itself as the most attractive market in Southeast Asia for European capital. This move reinforces the nation’s commitment to inclusive growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
EU Business in Indonesia Gains Support
The EU Investment Desk does more than open financial channels; it provides direct support for European investors navigating Indonesia’s market. Located at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry office on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, the facility offers practical guidance and knowledge-sharing on regulatory reforms.
“It also provides a structured dialogue platform to ensure that government policy reforms remain aligned with business needs,” Rosan added. This mechanism helps EU business in Indonesia adapt quickly and confidently to evolving policies.
European Union Ambassador to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, highlighted the broader value of this initiative. “We see this initiative as more than just an investment channel—it is also a means to build trust, align regulatory frameworks, and collaborate on key social values: sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth,” he explained. The alignment of values between the EU and Indonesia strengthens investor confidence and ensures mutual benefits.
Building Trust for Long-Term Growth
The launch of the EU Investment Desk signals a new chapter in EU-Indonesia economic relations. It bridges policymakers and investors while addressing the need for transparency, fairness, and alignment with global sustainability goals. By creating a responsive and accessible platform, Indonesia not only invites more EU capital but also builds trust for long-term collaboration. As Chaibi and Rosan emphasized, the desk offers an opportunity to unlock the untapped potential of EU investment in Indonesia and pave the way for inclusive, sustainable growth.
Source: money.kompas.com
Image: RRI/Zahrotin Aljannah
