Jakarta, 30 July 2024: ERIA formalised a new chapter in its engagement with the Government of Indonesia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (CMEA) on 30 July 2024. This MoU aims to strengthen Indonesia's international economic cooperation.

The MoU was signed by ERIA's Chief Operating Officer, Toru Furuichi, and CMEA's Assistant Deputy Minister for Multilateral Economic Cooperation, Ferry Ardiyanto, in a ceremony attended by the President of ERIA, Tetsuya Watanabe; Minister Airlangga Hartarto; and Deputy Minister for International Economic Cooperation, Dr Edi Prio Pambudi. This agreement is poised to enhance Indonesia’s efforts in joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as to facilitate engagement with the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and to develop the next-generation vehicle industry, amongst others.

Ahead of the signing, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe presented ERIA’s recent initiatives and potential collaboration with CMEA to Minister Airlangga Hartarto and his delegation, which included Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs, Edi Prio Pambudi; Assistant Deputy Minister for Multilateral Economic Cooperation, Ferry Ardiyanto; and Assistant Deputy Minister for Regional and Sub-regional Cooperation, Netty Muharini.

During the engagement, President Watanabe announced the establishment of the Asia Zero Emission Centre at ERIA’s Jakarta office. This centre will be inaugurated during the AZEC Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta in August, underscoring ERIA's commitment to advancing energy transition and decarbonisation through realistic pathways for the region.

In the meeting, ERIA’s Senior Economist, Dr Dionisius Narjoko, also highlighted the potential benefits for Indonesia in joining the CPTPP, emphasising enhanced trade opportunities and economic integration.

Minister Airlangga lauded ERIA’s efforts and expressed optimism about the future. In a press statement, he said, ‘ERIA is one of the most respected think tanks globally, and we are grateful for this partnership. This MoU will support Indonesia’s endeavours to join the OECD and CPTPP, develop our next-generation vehicle industry, and engage with the Asia Zero Emission Community.

President Watanabe echoed this sentiment in his press statement. ‘ERIA is deeply committed to supporting Indonesia's aspirations in multilateral economic cooperation. We are honoured to collaborate with Minister Airlangga and his team, and this MoU signifies our dedication to addressing key economic challenges and opportunities for Indonesia,’ he remarked.

The MoU, effective for 2 years and renewable upon mutual agreement, sets a solid foundation for enhanced cooperation between ERIA and the Government of Indonesia, aiming to foster economic growth and sustainability in the country and the region.

Video - MoU Signing 30 July 2024

Press Release on the Website of Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs