At the annual press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Central Jakarta (January 10), Foreign Minister Sugiono announced that Indonesia is in the process of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This announcement is a significant step following Indonesia's recent membership in BRICS, a global economic alliance that has become a focal point of its foreign policy.
According to Sugiono, Indonesia's progress toward OECD membership underscores the country's strategic importance on the global stage. He also addressed criticism of Indonesia's decision to join BRICS, which some see as contradicting the country's foreign policy principles. However, he emphasized that the move reflects the essence of Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy and strengthens its global diplomatic position.
BRICS Membership Won't Affect OECD Bid
In a related development, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso reiterated that Indonesia's OECD accession process will not be affected by its BRICS membership. He stated that these two international forums have different but complementary characteristics, which provide strategic advantages for Indonesia in the global arena.
Susiwijono explained that both BRICS and the OECD support Indonesia's national interests in different ways. Membership in BRICS, he noted, creates opportunities for broader international cooperation, expands market access, and strengthens ties with major global economies.
Meanwhile, OECD membership focuses on aligning with international technical standards and regulations, which are critical to enhancing Indonesia's global credibility.
Read also: Indonesia Joins BRICS: A New Era of Global Collaboration
OECD Accession Targets 2027 Completion
Indonesia's accession process to the OECD began during the administration of President Joko Widodo, when a National Team for the Preparation and Acceleration of Indonesia's OECD Membership was established with a three-year target for initial achievements. This accession process includes the preparation of the Initial Memorandum, a critical document that serves as a requirement to meet the standards for official OECD membership.
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Susiwijono stated that the government is currently focused on completing the Initial Memorandum, which is targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2025. This document will undergo a rigorous evaluation by the OECD Secretariat and technical committees, involving 26 committees in which Indonesian ministries and agencies work together to meet more than 200 international standards.
Once the committee evaluations are completed, the formal opinions of each committee will form the basis for the OECD Council's final decision on Indonesia's membership. The government aims to complete the entire accession process by 2027.
Japan Supports Indonesia's OECD Membership
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his commitment to support Indonesia in its process of joining the OECD. The statement was made after Ishiba met with President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Saturday (January 11).
As one of only two Asian countries that are members of the OECD, Japan has extensive experience within the organization. Japan joined the OECD in 1964, becoming the first Asia-Pacific nation to do so, followed later by South Korea.
During the meeting, Ishiba noted that discussions with Prabowo went beyond support for OECD membership. The two leaders also discussed broader issues, including strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional issues. Both emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, while also discussing cooperation on the international stage.