Indonesia calls on ASEAN to leverage RCEP for rules-based trade and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region at AIPF 2025 forum.
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia has urged ASEAN to leverage the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as a platform for resilient and rules-based trade across the Indo-Pacific.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that regional integration and cooperation are crucial for long-term prosperity and stability during his special address at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum 2025.
“We must intensify our collaborations and collective efforts to strengthen regional integration by leveraging the RCEP as a platform for resilience and rules-based trade,” he stated.
The Indonesian President also called for the partnership to remain open for other countries to join the RCEP agreement.
His special address was delivered by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
Prabowo stressed that ASEAN must accelerate its transition to sustainable green energy through joint initiatives.
He specifically mentioned the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework and the ASEAN Power Grid as key collaborative projects.
The Indo-Pacific region hosts 60% of the world’s population and generates 60% of global GDP.
This dynamic region drives two-thirds of global economic growth and accounts for half of global trade and maritime transport.
Describing the area as the engine of global growth, Prabowo projected that by 2030, two-thirds of the global middle class would reside in the Indo-Pacific.
He emphasised that no nation or community should be left behind in this progress.
“To truly harness this momentum, our growth must be inclusive,” the President declared.
This requires ensuring equal opportunity for all and providing every child access to high-quality education.
Prabowo highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between governments and the private sector.
“Peace and prosperity can only be achieved when governments and businesses work in concert,” he noted.
The private sector plays a crucial role in driving growth, innovation, and social progress according to his address.
He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to collaborating with ASEAN partners to transform challenges into opportunities.
“Through this forum, we are committed to collaborating to transform challenges into opportunities in the Indo-Pacific,” Prabowo stated.
The President concluded by inviting all participants to become true collaborators for peace and prosperity in the region. – Bernama
