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Indonesia seeking OECD membership expedition
The Indonesian government expects a smooth and swift accession to the OECD, aiming for mutually beneficial cooperation.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo welcomed a delegation from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Aug. 10 with Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. (Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Lukas)
D
uring a meeting in Japan on Saturday with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan discussed Indonesia's efforts to accelerate its full OECD membership.
The minister also expressed his opinion that the organization should pursue a more inclusive direction.
In a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday, Zulkifli said, "We expect support to facilitate Indonesia's smooth and swift accession to the OECD. In our view, the membership of the OECD should be more inclusive, involving the participation of more developing countries."
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo previously issued a directive to expedite Indonesia's accession to the OECD.
Various collaborative efforts have been initiated, including a letter of intention to the OECD secretary-general from Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
Indonesia has received positive responses to its efforts from several nations, including Chile, Norway, Australia, France, Japan and the United Kingdom. These responses have been warmly welcomed by the trade minister, who aims to maximize the benefits of OECD membership.
"In the trade sector, Indonesia's membership in the OECD is expected to enhance trade policy quality, while the OECD will benefit from Indonesia's membership as a representative of the global South and emerging economies," Zulkifli said.
During another meeting with Cormann on Oct. 2-6, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita also emphasized the strategic value of Indonesia's membership for both parties.
"With increasing trade and investment relations as a direct consequence of this cooperation, OECD members collaborating with Indonesia can gain from expanded global reach and trade opportunities due to strengthened trade and investment relations," Agus said.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who also attended the meeting, expressed her hope that if all goes as planned, Indonesia will become the third Asian country to join the OECD after Japan and South Korea.
Sri Mulyani shared her assurance that Indonesia is committed to becoming an OECD member through her Instagram account, @smindrawati.
"Indonesia's OECD membership will bolster the government's economic foundation and enhance our institutional capacity as we strive to become a high-income country and a more active participant in the global community," she said.
Previously, Retno sought the support of the Dutch government during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22.
