Last year, Indonesia and Belgium commemorated 75 years of enduring friendship. The theme of this notable anniversary is “Towards Our Centenary”. It elegantly captures the mutual aspiration of both countries in collaborating toward achieving their long-term visions.
As we look to 2025, the significance of such relations further fortifies the two countries’ endeavour. Indonesia has recently embraced a fresh spirit under the new administration of President Prabowo Subianto, inaugurated in October 2024, while Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s cabinet of Belgium was inaugurated on February 3, 2025. This presents a valuable opportunity for our two nations to align priorities and work together in pursuit of shared progress and prosperity.
Belgium played a notable role in the historical context of Indonesia’s state formation well before the nation declared its independence on 17 August 1945. In February 1927, Mohammad Hatta, who later became Indonesia’s first Vice President, attended the important Conference of the League Against Imperialism and Colonial Oppression in Brussels. In that conference, Hatta passionately advocated for Indonesia’s quest for independence to the global community.
Historically, Belgium has engaged in Indonesia’s struggle for independence by participating in the Three-Nation Commission. The Commission aimed at mediating the conflict between Indonesia and the Netherlands following the Dutch military aggression on 21 July 1947. It is also profoundly recorded that Belgium was among the first European nations to officially recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty on 28 December 1949.
The enduring friendship between Belgium and Indonesia has been characterized by a series of achievements that reflect their strong bilateral relations. Both governments have established a bilateral consultation mechanism that is regularly held to explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the political, defense, economic, and socio-cultural arenas.
In the political domain, both nations have collaborated on essential issues, including counter-terrorism and narcotics control. The two also genuinely shared mutual support in multilateral cooperation frameworks. In the defense sector, Belgium has emerged as a vital partner in supplying key military equipment for Indonesia’s defense capabilities.
Economically, Belgium stands as one of Indonesia’s crucial trading partners. Indonesia’s main exports to Belgium encompass a diverse range of products, such as footwear, rubber, palm oil, furniture, coffee, iron, and steel. Conversely, Indonesia’s main imports from Belgium are machinery, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products.
Belgium is Indonesia’s 5th largest EU investor and 25th globally in 2024. While this marks a strong foundation, significant room remains for expansion. The two countries are particularly eyeing strategic sectors such as digital transition, renewable energy, and sustainable food production.
In the socio-cultural arena, both countries actively promote people-to-people exchanges. It exemplified among others by scholarship programs designed to foster mutual understanding. Belgian citizens have the opportunity to participate in several Indonesian scholarship initiatives, including the Indonesian Art and Culture Scholarship, Dharmasiswa Scholarship, and the Indonesia Interfaith Scholarship programs. Simultaneously, numerous Indonesian students have benefitted from scholarships to pursue their studies at Belgian universities through the VLIR-UOS scholarship scheme.
As the accomplishments and challenges are amounting, Jakarta and Brussel are currently considering the potential for future collaborative efforts, particularly in areas prioritized by the new governments of both nations.
President Prabowo’s cabinet has identified the green economy as a fundamental sector for Indonesia’s economic independence and development. The ambition aligns with PM Bart De Wever’s cabinet’s agenda, especially within the domains of Energy and Environment. There exists a shared opportunity for the two countries to collaborate on renewable energy resources research and development.
With regard to the European Union, despite some hurdles, Indonesia’s commitment to advancing a green economy continues to develop and boldly dedicate to environmental sustainability and the proactive mitigation of global climate change. This commitment resonates with the aspirations articulated in the EU Green Deal.
Therefore, regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism should not inadvertently create trade barriers for Indonesian exports to the European Union. Belgium’s role in advocating for a balanced approach within the European Commission will be instrumental in ensuring that sustainability regulations serve to promote, rather than impede, fair trade.
President Prabowo’s other priorities, such as the Nutritious Meals Program (NMP) and agricultural modernization, may bring lots more to offer for collaboration. Belgium, as one of Europe’s foremost agricultural and livestock producers, would provide a wealth of expertise in areas such as biotechnology, sustainable farming practices, cattle genetics, and food safety.
This remarkable proficiency opens up a range of opportunities for cooperation between our two nations, both government and private sector, to engage and be involved in the NMP and Food Estate projects. We can foster a conducive environment for business entities to pursue joint research and investments in agriculture and livestock, thus ensuring a steady supply of quality products for the NMP.
In closing, with great confidence, I perceive a promising future for the two nations in further strengthening their cooperative ties. The relationship between our countries holds special significance, not only due to the enduring friendship that has flourished for over 75 years but also because of Belgium’s pivotal role in supporting Indonesia’s journey toward independence. I am optimistic that our cooperative efforts and mutual respect will continue to flourish, benefiting both nations in the years to come.
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