SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Indonesia and Turkey are aiming to significantly boost their bilateral trade, targeting a total value of USD10 billion in 2025, up from approximately USD2.4 billion recorded in 2024.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized the importance of accelerating and implementing a limited preferential trade agreement (LPTA) to achieve this goal. The agreement is expected to prioritize key products for tariff and non-tariff reductions, with a relatively short negotiation period.

“Indonesia and Turkey must strengthen economic cooperation and seize the untapped potential between both countries, especially amid global uncertainties and renewed protectionist trends such as those recently adopted by the United States,” Airlangga said, as quoted on Antara, during the Türkiye–Indonesia CEO Roundtable Meeting in Jakarta on Friday (4/10).

The meeting, co-hosted by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), was attended by over 50 business leaders from various sectors, including defense, technology, construction, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, vocational education, and human resource development.

Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkey, Ozgur Volkan Agar, said that Turkey views Indonesia as a key partner and a strategic trade hub in the ASEAN region. 

“We already have free trade agreements with Malaysia and Vietnam. A limited trade deal with Indonesia is the logical next step,” he stated as quoted on Antara.

Meanwhile, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yukmali, highlighted the potential for both countries to expand trade in agricultural and forestry products, which could serve as raw materials for Turkey’s food, beverage, and craft industries.

During his state visit, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also held bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and delivered remarks at the Leader’s Talk session at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas