Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade is strengthening trade relations between Indonesia and the United Kingdom through accelerated discussions on the Indonesia–UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-UK CEPA), Indonesia’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and enhanced cooperation in strategic commodity sectors.
The initiatives were highlighted by Johni Martha, Director General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, following a working visit to London from 7–9 September 2026.
“We have met with a number of UK Government institutions and various stakeholders to strengthen bilateral trade through the establishment of the I-UK CEPA. We also appreciate the UK’s support for Indonesia’s efforts to accede to the CPTPP,” Johni said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday.
The Ministry of Trade expects the I-UK CEPA to enhance the competitiveness of both countries by expanding market access, strengthening supply chains, reducing regulatory barriers, and developing trade in services and investment.
According to Johni, the urgency of the partnership is becoming increasingly significant as Indonesia will no longer benefit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) from 1 January 2027. Meanwhile, UK exports to Indonesia are currently subject to most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs of approximately 6–15 per cent.
In addition to government-level meetings, Johni led a business forum involving 20 UK companies and think tanks on Tuesday, 8 September.
“Input from the business community is crucial to accelerating the establishment of the I-UK CEPA,” Johni said.
During the visit, the Ministry of Trade delegation also met with the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in London. Discussions covered the welfare of smallholder coffee farmers, recognition of speciality Robusta coffee, regenerative agriculture practices, and challenges surrounding the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“We also emphasised the important role of the ICO in supporting the welfare of coffee farmers, the majority of whom are smallholders. At the same time, major coffee-producing countries need to play an active role in creating fairer and more inclusive global rules,” Johni explained.
Trade between Indonesia and the United Kingdom remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2025, increasing from US$2.57 billion in 2021 to US$2.66 billion in 2025.
The two countries have complementary economies. Indonesia benefits from a large domestic market, abundant natural resources and a competitive manufacturing base, while the United Kingdom has strengths in high-value goods and services, technology and expertise across a range of sectors.
Source from ANTARANEWS
Original news HERE
