TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Indonesia rejects claims that Israel objects to OECD membership bid
Indonesia has been interested in becoming part of the OECD since 2022 to accelerate its transition into a developed country.
Change Size
Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto (left) speaks on Aug. 29, 2022, during a public lecture at the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS). (The Jakarta Post/Office of Coordinating Economic Minister)
T
he Indonesian government has downplayed reports that its accession bid to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has stumbled upon Israel’s objection, saying that no formal decision has been made regarding the country’s application.
Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said that the government continues to engage in discussions with the OECD, and a decision regarding Indonesia's accession has not been reached.
"We're still in the application [phase]. After this, we need to create a road map and adhere to it. [Our proposal] could be approved or not. The process is still lengthy," he said during a press briefing on Monday.
Nikkei reported on Sunday that Israel had expressed objection to Indonesia's accession process to the OECD during the OECD ambassadors meeting on Jan. 29 and 30, citing anonymous diplomatic sources.
Israel is not necessarily opposed to Indonesia's membership but mentioned the situation in the Middle East and Indonesia’s criticism of the country's military actions in Gaza. The lack of diplomatic relations between Jakarta and Tel Aviv also reportedly serves as a supporting factor.
Read also: RI first ASEAN country to file for OECD membership
Edi Prio Pambudi, undersecretary for international cooperation at the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister, said that, based on his discussion with the OECD secretariat, there are no member countries opposed to Indonesia's accession bid.
