"Indonesia prioritizes efforts to establish quality partnerships with all parties in a bid to realize solid economic growth," the minister remarked at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday (February 12).
As revealed in his ministry's statement here on Thursday, Hartarto highlighted Indonesia's gross domestic product of USD1.4 trillion and 280 million population, viewing these factors as valuable assets for Indonesia to pursue highly beneficial cooperation within international platforms.
In this regard, he mentioned the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The minister stated that Indonesia recognizes these multinational platforms as new potential economic blocs, aligning seamlessly with the theme of the panel discussion in which he spoke, titled "The Emergence of Multiple Economic Blocs."
According to Hartarto, the emergence of these economic blocs is a direct consequence of rising global tensions and their effects on trade, investment, and geopolitical stability.
Specifying the ASEAN, Hartarto underscored that Indonesia believes that the regional association plays the vital role of a buffer, shielding its member states from the economic fallout of the United States-China trade war.
He also expressed optimism regarding progress in the ongoing discussions about the free trade agreement between Indonesia and the GCC.
The official voiced Indonesia's keenness to cooperate with Gulf states in critical sectors, such as energy, finance, and infrastructure.
"Indonesia's cooperation with Gulf countries is expected to help the Southeast Asian nation solidify its position in global trade, infrastructure financing, and technology collaboration. These factors are essential for Indonesia to achieve its eight percent economic growth target," he concluded.
Hartarto made these statements in the presence of the UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, and Saudi Arabian Economy and Planning Minister Faisal Alibrahim.
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Translator: Bayu S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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