Blab Business
Indonesia Boosts Economic Diplomacy with France, Kadin Highlights New Business Council
On Friday, 12 June 2026, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) hosted its Monthly Economic Diplomatic Breakfast in Jakarta. The event featured Foreign Minister Sugiono as keynote speaker and Kadin Chairman Anindya Bakrie as the main speaker. Bakrie used the forum to describe a new phase in Indonesia’s economic diplomacy, in which the private sector is invited to participate directly in state‑led initiatives.
Bakrie said that under President Prabowo Subianto and Foreign Minister Sugiono the government has "significantly increased opportunities for the private business sector to participate directly in state economic diplomacy." He called this arrangement "the best form of economic diplomacy" and noted that it is rare for the government and business community to collaborate so closely to promote national interests.
A key example cited by Bakrie was President Prabowo’s state visit to France in late May. During that visit, Kadin played a leading role in the business‑to‑business (B2B) agenda, culminating in the launch of the France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council (FI‑HLBC). The council was officially inaugurated on 28 May 2026, in the presence of President Prabowo and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the chamber, the council brought together major corporations from both countries whose combined market capitalisation totals US$1.3 trillion.
The meetings under the council’s auspices produced new business agreements valued at US$3.5 billion. These agreements complement an earlier US$11 billion investment commitment that was announced during Macron’s state visit to Indonesia in 2025.
To further support international trade, Kadin is expanding two practical initiatives. The "We Buy From Indonesia" campaign aims to integrate Indonesian products into global supply chains, while the Kadin Export Academy is scaling up training programmes to help local firms enter competitive foreign markets. These programmes are part of Kadin’s broader strategy to increase Indonesia’s export capacity.
Foreign Minister Sugiono, who spoke at the breakfast, reiterated that economic diplomacy is an integral part of Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to protect the populace and improve public welfare. He added that the country welcomes international economic partnerships "as long as they adhere to the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit." Sugiono also noted that the high level of interest from foreign enterprises to invest in Indonesia reflects strong global confidence in the nation’s long‑term economic prospects.
The breakfast underscored a growing trend in Indonesia’s approach to foreign investment. By formally involving the private sector in diplomatic missions, the government seeks to create a more predictable and business‑friendly environment. The France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council is the first long‑term forum of its kind, and its early financial outcomes suggest that the model could be replicated with other partners.
At present, Indonesia’s economic diplomacy initiatives are still in the early stages of implementation. The next steps include monitoring the performance of the FI‑HLBC, tracking the progress of the We Buy From Indonesia campaign, and evaluating the impact of the Export Academy on export volumes. No further policy announcements have been made, and the government has not yet set a timetable for expanding similar councils to other countries.
In summary, the 12 June breakfast highlighted Indonesia’s new strategy of integrating the private sector into state economic diplomacy, illustrated by the successful launch of the France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council and the creation of new investment agreements. The government and Kadin are now focused on expanding export initiatives and maintaining momentum in international trade partnerships.
Bakrie said that under President Prabowo Subianto and Foreign Minister Sugiono the government has "significantly increased opportunities for the private business sector to participate directly in state economic diplomacy." He called this arrangement "the best form of economic diplomacy" and noted that it is rare for the government and business community to collaborate so closely to promote national interests.
A key example cited by Bakrie was President Prabowo’s state visit to France in late May. During that visit, Kadin played a leading role in the business‑to‑business (B2B) agenda, culminating in the launch of the France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council (FI‑HLBC). The council was officially inaugurated on 28 May 2026, in the presence of President Prabowo and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the chamber, the council brought together major corporations from both countries whose combined market capitalisation totals US$1.3 trillion.
The meetings under the council’s auspices produced new business agreements valued at US$3.5 billion. These agreements complement an earlier US$11 billion investment commitment that was announced during Macron’s state visit to Indonesia in 2025.
To further support international trade, Kadin is expanding two practical initiatives. The "We Buy From Indonesia" campaign aims to integrate Indonesian products into global supply chains, while the Kadin Export Academy is scaling up training programmes to help local firms enter competitive foreign markets. These programmes are part of Kadin’s broader strategy to increase Indonesia’s export capacity.
Foreign Minister Sugiono, who spoke at the breakfast, reiterated that economic diplomacy is an integral part of Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to protect the populace and improve public welfare. He added that the country welcomes international economic partnerships "as long as they adhere to the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit." Sugiono also noted that the high level of interest from foreign enterprises to invest in Indonesia reflects strong global confidence in the nation’s long‑term economic prospects.
The breakfast underscored a growing trend in Indonesia’s approach to foreign investment. By formally involving the private sector in diplomatic missions, the government seeks to create a more predictable and business‑friendly environment. The France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council is the first long‑term forum of its kind, and its early financial outcomes suggest that the model could be replicated with other partners.
At present, Indonesia’s economic diplomacy initiatives are still in the early stages of implementation. The next steps include monitoring the performance of the FI‑HLBC, tracking the progress of the We Buy From Indonesia campaign, and evaluating the impact of the Export Academy on export volumes. No further policy announcements have been made, and the government has not yet set a timetable for expanding similar councils to other countries.
In summary, the 12 June breakfast highlighted Indonesia’s new strategy of integrating the private sector into state economic diplomacy, illustrated by the successful launch of the France‑Indonesia High‑Level Business Council and the creation of new investment agreements. The government and Kadin are now focused on expanding export initiatives and maintaining momentum in international trade partnerships.
