As the Chair of the UK-ASEAN Business Council and a former minister, I have seen firsthand the growing importance of Southeast Asia to Britain’s economic future. With Sunday’s inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as Indonesia’s new President, we have a unique opportunity to deepen and expand the already strong diplomatic and economic ties between our two nations.
This moment offers not only a chance for the UK and Indonesia to reflect on the progress made, but also to redouble our efforts to ensure that this critical partnership continues to flourish.
Indonesia, as the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a rising global player, is an indispensable partner for the UK. The country is predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050 and is already vital to Britain’s international interests. It is also a country with immense potential—boasting a young and growing population, vast natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial sector.
As Indonesia enters a new era under fresh leadership, Britain should seize this moment to strengthen our relationship, which already enjoys a solid foundation thanks to the diligent efforts of both governments.
The UK-Indonesia Partnership Framework, signed in 2022, has been a milestone achievement, providing a roadmap for cooperation across various sectors, from trade and investment to education, science, and security. Additionally, the 2023 pledge to grow bilateral trade ties further cements our mutual commitment to advancing shared economic goals. These achievements, spearheaded by the last British government and supported by Indonesian leadership, have opened new avenues for collaboration. The challenge for both new governments now is to build on this momentum.
The presence of David Lammy at the inauguration is a testament to the importance Britain places on this relationship. It is encouraging that the UK remains committed to engaging with Indonesia at the highest levels of diplomacy, signalling to both nations—and the wider world—that this partnership is a priority. As we face an increasingly uncertain global economic environment, partnerships, like that between the UK and Indonesia, are vital to securing mutual prosperity.
However, while government-to-government relations are crucial, the UK-Indonesia relationship must transcend politics. It is in the hands of businesses, investors, and civil society from both countries to take this partnership to the next level.
Indonesia’s dynamic market presents countless opportunities for British businesses, from infrastructure and energy to technology and financial services. At the same time, British expertise in areas such as green technology, education, and healthcare can help Indonesia achieve its development goals. It is through these real-world collaborations that we will truly see the benefits of this partnership.
The UK-ASEAN Business Council, which I am honoured to chair, has long been an advocate for deeper business ties between the UK and Indonesia. We have witnessed how businesses from both countries can thrive when they collaborate – creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering mutual growth. But there is much more that can be done. With the right support from both governments, we can create an ecosystem where businesses from the UK and Indonesia work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources.
Beyond business, our ties should extend into civil society, educational exchanges, and cultural diplomacy. These people-to-people links will be critical in ensuring that the UK-Indonesia relationship endures over time. The strong bonds we have forged in areas like education and culture must continue to grow, ensuring that future generations see each other as partners and friends. The enduring relationships that emerge from student exchanges, artistic collaborations, and civil society initiatives will be the bedrock of a partnership that lasts.
With Indonesia’s new leadership, this is an exciting time to look forward, not just in terms of trade but in building comprehensive and sustainable relationships that benefit both nations. We must seize this opportunity to ensure that the UK-Indonesia partnership continues to bring tangible benefits.
As we congratulate Indonesia’s new President and look to the future, let us ensure that our new government builds on the remarkable progress of its predecessor. By strengthening our diplomatic, economic, and societal ties, ministers and others can forge a relationship that will endure. Bringing not only prosperity but also promoting shared values and mutual respect.
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