Brussel. Global geopolitical tensions are placing new pressures on the international economic system, affecting supply chain resilience, trade stability, and investment flows. The evolving landscape underscores the need for closer cooperation and a more open, inclusive, and resilient global economic architecture.

“The international economic architecture is clearly undergoing significant changes. The more important question is how we can rebuild a framework that preserves the benefits of openness while strengthening economic resilience. I believe the answer lies not in decoupling, but in diversification. Not in fragmentation, but in cooperation and partnerships,” Chief of Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said during the Ministerial Keynote and Conversation session at the Brussels Economic Security Forum (BESF) 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.

The Brussels Economic Security Forum, organized annually by the European Policy Centre (EPC), is one of the leading platforms in Brussels for discussions on economic security, supply chain resilience, trade, investment, technology, and global economic developments. The event brought together senior European Union officials, representatives from partner countries, business leaders, and international media.

Discussions at the forum focused on strategic issues surrounding economic security and resilience amid ongoing global uncertainties. Airlangga outlined Indonesia’s approach to strengthening economic security and national resilience while providing updates on Indonesia-EU economic cooperation, including progress toward concluding the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).

He also highlighted Indonesia’s support for stronger international cooperation, greater diversification of global supply chains, and efforts to prevent economic fragmentation that could hamper global growth and stability.

Airlangga noted that global conflicts, including those affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, demonstrate how geopolitical disruptions can quickly impact supply chains, investment flows, and global economic growth. Such disruptions can drive up costs, weaken investment, and slow economic expansion worldwide.

These developments have prompted many countries to strengthen economic security through industrial policies, investment screening mechanisms, and export controls aimed at safeguarding national resilience amid growing uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, Indonesia has maintained strong economic fundamentals, recording 5.61% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, while keeping inflation under control and sustaining robust foreign exchange reserves. The country has also maintained a trade surplus for more than 70 consecutive months.

Airlangga said Indonesia continues to accelerate economic transformation through industrial processing, manufacturing development, digital transformation, and the green economy. The country is also strengthening its position in global supply chains, particularly in electric vehicles, batteries, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

Indonesia has emerged as one of the world's key electric vehicle manufacturing hubs, attracting investment from Asia, Europe, and North America across battery production, cathode materials, and vehicle assembly. The expansion not only supports domestic industrial growth but also contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable global clean-energy supply chain.

The minister also highlighted digital transformation as a key pillar of Indonesia’s economic resilience. Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to exceed $130 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV), making it the largest digital economy in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, Indonesia is strengthening energy security and supporting decarbonization efforts through the development of domestic renewable energy and the implementation of the B50 biodiesel program. The policy is expected to reduce fuel imports by up to 4 million kiloliters annually while increasing energy self-sufficiency and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable economy.

Airlangga reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation through strategic trade agreements, including the IEU-CEPA, the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA), and the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA). Indonesia is also pursuing accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

As a member of ASEAN, the G20, and BRICS, and through its ongoing OECD accession process, Indonesia continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The role is increasingly important in fostering dialogue, strengthening international cooperation, and developing inclusive solutions to global economic challenges.

The forum concluded with remarks from European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic who emphasized the importance of stronger international cooperation in addressing global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Let us work together to build a better economic security framework—one that strengthens resilience while preserving openness, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth for all,” Airlangga said.