UK Backs Indonesia's CPTPP Bid to Boost Economic Ties

Indonesia and the United Kingdom have taken a significant step towards strengthening their economic cooperation. During a meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, met with the UK's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent. The discussions focused on reinforcing the economic partnership between the two nations, with a key outcome being the UK's reiterated support for Indonesia's accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Minister Hartarto also affirmed his support for the implementation of the Indonesia-United Kingdom Economic Growth Partnership (EGP), which was signed in January 2026. During the meeting, he outlined Indonesia's priorities for the EGP's implementation, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in human resource development, energy, investment, and the transition towards a more sustainable economy. "These initiatives are expected to strengthen the economic collaboration between the two countries while supporting inclusive and sustainable growth," stated Hartarto, as quoted by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Hartarto further elaborated on Indonesia's progress in its CPTPP accession. "Indonesia's participation in the CPTPP is part of a strategy to expand market access, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support sustainable economic growth," he explained. In line with this, the UK government reaffirmed its backing for Indonesia's CPTPP bid. The UK views Indonesia's membership as a means to further bolster the CPTPP as a high-standard trade agreement and enhance its relevance in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Hartarto concluded by stating that the economic relationship between Indonesia and the UK is set for continued growth. The Indonesian government is prepared to maintain close cooperation with the UK, both through the implementation of the EGP and by supporting Indonesia's CPTPP accession.