In a move to enhance economic cooperation and attract more investment from the European Union (EU), the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/Investment Coordinaing Board (BKPM) has launched the EU Desk following the signing of a Cooperation Statement with the Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia. 

The EU Desk, which will be housed within the BKPM office in Jakarta, is intended to serve as a comprehensive service center that supports EU investors seeking to invest in Indonesia. It will function as a bridge between European investors and the Indonesian government, providing a range of support services including market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitation of strategic partnerships, identification of investment opportunities, and regulatory harmonization between both jurisdictions.

Minister of Investment and Head of BKPM, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.

“We are confident that the EU Desk will open more communication channels and strategic collaboration potential that can be mutually beneficial. The European Union is an important partner for Indonesia, and this initiative will further strengthen our cooperation in the future,” Rosan said in a statement on Monday, June 16, 2025.

He noted that the creation of the EU Desk aligns with President Prabowo’s directive to simplify investment-related regulations and reduce bureaucratic barriers. The Desk is envisioned as a practical step in realizing Indonesia’s broader goal of fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting impactful foreign direct investment (FDI).

Future-oriented sector collaboration

The EU Desk will focus on future-relevant sectors that align with both Indonesian and EU development priorities. These include renewable energy, water and waste management, high technology, and other strategic industries where European expertise is strong.

“This is not just a technical platform,” EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, said.

“The EU Desk symbolizes a shared ambition to bring in sustainable and high-quality investment. The European Union holds over US$11 trillion in global investment stock, yet only a small portion of that currently reaches Indonesia. We want to change that,” he added.

Ambassador Chaibi expressed EU’s interest in deepening investment in sectors aligned with Indonesia’s national vision, such as energy transition, clean water infrastructure, and technological innovation.

“We may not be the best in every sector, but when it comes to renewable energy, water systems, waste processing, and advanced technology, European companies are either global leaders or a close second. This is where we want to collaborate,” he said.

Path to EU–Indonesia CEPA

The launch of the EU Desk is also intended to support the ongoing EU–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EU–CEPA) negotiations, which both sides aim to conclude before the end of the year. The Desk reflects Indonesia’s openness to deepening ties with strategic partners and underscores its readiness to engage more intensively with the EU on trade and investment.

“We are increasingly open to broader cooperation. I am confident that the establishment of this Desk will create more future partnerships. We are ready to maintain and deepen our collaboration with the European Union,” Rosan said.

Investment figures and priority sectors

Data from the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry shows that EU investment realization in Indonesia between 2019 and the first quarter of 2025 reached a total of US$13 billion. Investment flowed into several key sectors:

* Chemical and pharmaceutical industries: US$2.1 billion

* Electricity, gas, and water: US$1.9 billion

* Housing, industrial zones, and office estates: US$1.1 billion

* Transportation, logistics, and communication: US$1.07 billion

* Other services: US$1.05 billion

These figures highlight the strategic value of EU capital and the breadth of sectors already benefiting from European engagement in Indonesia’s development.

Sustainable growth

The establishment of the EU Desk is widely seen as a practical and symbolic step in fostering long-term, high-impact investment relationships between Indonesia and the European Union. By reducing information and regulatory gaps, the initiative aims to accelerate sustainable economic development, create jobs, and improve investment quality across key sectors.