The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for the Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), aimed at deepening Indonesia’s integration into international economic frameworks, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and broadening the country’s export markets.
The MoU, formalized on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 marks a strategic partnership with ERIA, a leading think tank renowned for its research and policy recommendations in the ASEAN and East Asian regions.
Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted ERIA’s prestigious status, noting its recognition as a top-10 think tank by the State of Civil Society and the University of Pennsylvania.
The agreement encompasses three main initiatives. First, Accession Studies, a joint research effort to explore Indonesia’s accession to the OECD and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP).
ERIA will undertake benefit analyses, scenario simulations, and help establish a Project Management Office (PMO) focused on OECD-related activities.
Second, the ASEAN Zero Emission Center, which is set to open at the end of August 2024. This center is part of broader efforts to advance zero-emission initiatives in the region.
Third, Feature Ready ASEAN. This initiative aims to enhance the semiconductor supply chain and expand markets in the automotive and battery industries. It includes studies on these sectors, particularly focusing on next-generation automotive technologies in ASEAN to serve global markets.
Airlangga expressed optimism that this cooperation would promote digital economy development and sustainable economic growth in the region.
The partnership will feature in-depth studies, joint publications, policy research, capacity building, and a planned two-year cooperation period, with the possibility of extension.
ERIA Director Tetsuya Watanabe affirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s international economic cooperation efforts, including OECD accession, CP-TPP participation, and the growth of the semiconductor industry.
He emphasized ERIA’s readiness to assist Indonesia in these strategic endeavors.
