EU-Indonesia: 10th EU-Indonesia Political Dialogue

The 10th Political Dialogue under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Indonesia took place on 30 April in Jakarta.

The Dialogue provided an opportunity for an in-depth and candid exchange on key areas of mutual interest, encompassing the elevation of the EU-Indonesia relations, regional developments, pressing global challenges, and cooperation in multilateral fora.

The EU and Indonesia reaffirmed their intention to elevate their partnership towards a Strategic Partnership. The EU and Indonesia emphasised that elevating the partnership entails a deeper, more strategic, and mutually beneficial engagement, anchored in mutual respect. In this regard, they discussed the scope and direction of cooperation in the areas of digital and maritime security, including efforts to enhance resilience, governance, and capacity in both domains.

The EU and Indonesia reiterated the importance of upholding international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both emphasised that these principles must be applied consistently and underscored the need for a more inclusive and effective global governance.

The Dialogue also served as a platform to exchange views on evolving geopolitical dynamics, with the EU and Indonesia highlighting the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation in addressing growing global uncertainties.

They exchanged on a range of regional and international issues, including current geopolitical crises, hostilities, and escalating tensions in the Middle East, that continue to threaten regional and global peace and security.

They both underlined support for the Comprehensive Plan to end the Conflict in Gaza (Gaza Peace Plan) as endorsed by UNSCR 2803 and concern over prolonged escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, including the catastrophic humanitarian situation. They reiterate calls on Israel to fully comply with its obligations under international law and to allow humanitarian aid to start flowing at scale into and throughout the strip. Both sides also called for the full implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan for continued ceasefire leading to permanent end of hostilities. They expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in accordance with the Two-State Solution, the Charter of the United Nations, and relevant resolutions and initiatives, such as the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. In this respect, both parties welcomed the holding of the Global Alliance meeting on 20 April in Brussels.

On Lebanon, the EU and Indonesia reaffirmed their unwavering support for UNIFIL, and condemned the unacceptable attacks against peacekeepers, resulting in the loss of four Indonesian and two French peacekeepers' lives and others injured. They called for a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation of these attacks.

Regarding European security, the EU and Indonesia were deeply concerned with the ongoing war against Ukraine that has entered its fifth year and gravely threatens global peace and stability. They reiterated their consistent support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. They called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, and emphasised the urgency of advancing dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

The Dialogue also addressed developments in the Indo-Pacific, where Indonesia stressed the importance of maintaining an open, inclusive, and peaceful regional architecture, with ASEAN centrality at its core.

The two sides reiterated their support for international law and for multilateralism. They underscored the need to accelerate United Nations reform, ensuring that multilateral organs remain fit for purpose, relevant, and effective in addressing today's challenges. They also exchanged views on peacekeeping operations and engagement in arrangements such as the G7, G20, BRICS, and the OECD. The EU reiterated its support for Indonesia's Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development accession process.

The Indonesian delegation was headed by Grata Endah Werdaningtyas, Director General for American and European Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, and the EU delegation by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service.