President Joko Widodo Meets OECD Secretary-General to Accelerate Indonesia's Membership

Bogor, INTI – President Joko Widodo hosted the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, along with his delegation at the Presidential Palace in Bogor on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. This meeting, a continuation of their initial discussions in August 2023, aimed to outline the steps Indonesia has taken and will take to expedite its membership in the OECD.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, explained that the discussion between President Widodo and Secretary-General Cormann focused on strategic preparations and the acceleration of Indonesia's OECD membership. The President has issued a presidential decree to establish a national team for this purpose.

“The President has issued a presidential decree to form a national team for the preparation and acceleration of Indonesia’s membership in the OECD, which I chair, supported by the Finance Minister and the Foreign Minister,” stated Airlangga.

He further mentioned that Indonesia is committed to becoming an OECD member within three years and has already received support from member countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan, in the form of capacity building and funding. The accession process will involve Indonesia drafting a self-assessment memorandum shortly.

Deputy Finance Minister, Suahasil Nazara, added that the government would collaborate with the OECD to create an initial memorandum. This document will be used by Indonesia to showcase the economic reforms it has implemented.

“We hope this initial memorandum will serve as a tool for Indonesia to inform the world about the economic reforms we have undertaken. I am confident that Indonesia’s membership will be a source of pride not only for Indonesia but also for the OECD itself,” said Suahasil Nazara.

During the meeting, President Widodo and Secretary-General Cormann also discussed the development of the semiconductor ecosystem and the roadmap for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

Additionally, the OECD will conduct an economic survey of Indonesia as part of its support for improving the investment climate in the country. “This will help Indonesia align with OECD countries in regulatory development, making it more attractive for investors to increase their investments here,” added Airlangga.

This meeting marks a significant moment in reinforcing Indonesia's commitment and strategic steps to strengthen international cooperation and enhance the domestic investment climate.