TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua - President of Indonesia Joko Widodo or Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with President of Turkey Recep Tayyib Erdogan on the sidelines of the Bali G20 Summit. The two heads of state agreed to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“We must instruct negotiators to immediately find a solution to existing obstacles that can be accepted by both parties and the agreement will be finalized soon,” said Jokowi in Apurva, Nusa Dua, on Monday, November 14, 2022.

CEPA is a scheme of economic cooperation that is broader than just trade issues. In the Indonesia-Turkey CEPA negotiations back in 2020, the trade volume between the two nations was recorded at only US$1.5 million, far lower than the two nation's populations of nearly 400 million.

In addition to discussing trade issues, Indonesia and Turkey are jointly seeking a peaceful solution for the settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both presidents shared the same view that the escalating tensions between the two generated negative effects on the global economy, especially regarding the economy and energy.

Furthermore, Jokowi and Erdogan saw the signing of agreements covering the fields of defense, forestry, environment, research technology, and innovation.

The two countries have agreed to accelerate the energy transition by establishing collaboration in the procurement of electric buses through the B to B scheme. The agreement between business actors has been carried out by Karsan with Credo Group. In addition, Turkey will reportedly make investments in the Trans Sumatra Toll Road project.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA

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