The event highlighted Indonesia’s economic ambitions under President Prabowo Subianto and the enduring strength of U.S.-Indonesia relations.

On 21 November 2024, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) hosted a roundtable luncheon in Washington, D.C., to honour H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs. The gathering came at a pivotal moment following the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto and during the celebration of 75 years of U.S.-Indonesia diplomatic relations.

Minister Airlangga delivered a keynote address outlining Indonesia’s robust economic progress over the past decade. He highlighted the Prabowo administration’s ambitious target of achieving 8% economic growth while maintaining low inflation. The Minister also shared Indonesia’s objectives to become a hub for renewable energy, leveraging resources like hydropower, wind, and solar, while pursuing carbon capture and storage to meet net-zero emissions goals. Further, he emphasised plans to enhance the country’s capacity for nickel and steel exports by the end of 2025.

The luncheon brought together senior officials from the United States, Indonesia, and ASEAN member states, alongside private sector leaders, multilateral organisations, and academics. Chargé d’Affaires Sade Bimantara of the Indonesian Embassy in the United States highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations, referencing President Prabowo’s recent meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. He stressed the importance of USABC’s upcoming Business Mission to Indonesia in further strengthening economic partnerships.

Marc Mealy, USABC’s Chief Policy Officer and Senior Vice President, stated, “With the inauguration of President Prabowo, we are at a crucial juncture in U.S.-Indonesia economic relations.” Mealy outlined the significance of the Indonesia Business Mission, set to take place in Jakarta from 3 to 5 December, which will involve 50 U.S. companies aiming to deepen ties with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The roundtable was supported by major sponsors BP, Freeport-McMoRan, and ExxonMobil, underlining the strong private-sector commitment to U.S.-Indonesia collaboration.

Since 1984, USABC has served as a leading advocacy organisation for U.S. businesses operating across the ASEAN region. Its membership, comprising over 170 companies, collectively generates nearly US$7 trillion in revenue and employs more than 14.5 million people globally. With offices in key cities, including Washington, D.C., Jakarta, and Singapore, USABC continues to foster partnerships and promote economic opportunities throughout Southeast Asia.

Source: US-ASEAN Business Council