Indonesia and Finland Strengthen Ties at World Economic Forum 2025
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen held their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on January 22, 2025.The meeting marked a significant step in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
“I welcome Finland’s support to strengthen economic cooperation with Indonesia, including for the conclusion of Indonesia’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono. The discussions focused on bolstering partnerships in key sectors such as economic progress, health, digital infrastructure, and energy.
Expanding Regional and Global Collaboration
Sugiono also highlighted Finland’s efforts to deepen ties with ASEAN, notably thru its potential accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). This move aligns with Finland’s broader strategy to engage with Southeast Asia, a region of growing geopolitical and economic importance.
The meeting also addressed pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the current chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Finland shared its initiatives to promote peace in the region. In turn, Sugiono sought Finland’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine, emphasizing the need for rebuilding Gaza and backing UNRWA.
Infrastructure Development: A Key Pillar of Cooperation
The collaboration between Indonesia and Finland extends beyond diplomacy. Earlier in 2024, the Ministry of Public Works announced plans to partner with Finland to develop infrastructure in the New Nusantara Capital (IKN). Deputy Minister Diana Kusumastuti outlined the focus areas, including smart water systems, smart transportation, irrigation, reservoirs, fire protection, drainage, and national roads.
“The Finnish government is pleased to be able to contribute to the construction sector in indonesia and hopes that this contribution can be improved in the future,” said Kusumastuti. This partnership builds on previous collaborations in smart construction,building systems,and waste management.
A Legacy of Diplomatic Relations
2024 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Finland. Over the decades, the two nations have collaborated on various bilateral and multilateral initiatives, fostering mutual growth and innovation.
Key Highlights of Indonesia-Finland Collaboration
| Area of Cooperation | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| economic Partnership | Support for Indonesia-EU FTA negotiations |
| Infrastructure Development| Smart water, transportation, irrigation, and national roads in IKN |
| Global Peace Initiatives | Collaboration on Ukraine and Palestine peace efforts |
| Regional Engagement | Finland’s potential accession to ASEAN’s treaty of Amity and Cooperation |
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Sugiono and Valtonen underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their partnership.As Indonesia continues to pursue OECD membership, Finland’s support remains crucial.
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This evolving partnership between Indonesia and Finland promises to drive innovation,economic growth,and global stability,setting a benchmark for international collaboration.
Indonesia and Finland Strengthen Ties at World Economic Forum 2025
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen held their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on January 22, 2025. The meeting marked a significant step in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. To delve deeper into this partnership, we spoke wiht Dr. Anjali Ratnawati,a senior researcher in international relations and an expert on Indonesia-Finland collaborations.
Economic Partnership and Trade agreements
editor: Dr.Ratnawati, could you elaborate on the economic discussions between Indonesia and Finland during the WEF meeting?
Dr. Ratnawati: Certainly. The discussions were centered on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in supporting Indonesia’s ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union. finland’s backing is crucial here, as it reflects its commitment to fostering trade relations with Indonesia. This aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to expand its economic footprint globally, especially as it pursues OECD membership.
Infrastructure Growth in IKN
Editor: Infrastructure development was a key topic during the meeting. How does Finland plan to contribute to Indonesia’s new Nusantara Capital (IKN) project?
Dr. Ratnawati: Finland’s expertise in smart infrastructure will play a pivotal role in IKN’s development. The collaboration focuses on advanced systems like smart water management, transportation networks, and irrigation. Additionally, Finland’s experience in waste management and enduring construction will ensure that IKN is built with environmental considerations at its core. This partnership builds on previous joint efforts and underscores Finland’s long-term commitment to Indonesia’s development goals.
Global Peace Initiatives
Editor: The meeting also touched on global peace efforts, particularly in Ukraine and Palestine. Can you share more on this?
Dr. Ratnawati: Absolutely. Finland, as the current chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), shared its initiatives to promote peace in Ukraine. On the other hand, Foreign Minister Sugiono sought finland’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine, emphasizing the need for rebuilding Gaza and supporting UNRWA. This dual focus highlights the shared commitment of both nations to address pressing global conflicts and support humanitarian efforts.
Regional Engagement and ASEAN
Editor: Finland’s potential accession to the Treaty of Amity and cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) was also discussed. What does this mean for ASEAN-finland relations?
Dr. Ratnawati: Finland’s potential accession to the TAC is a significant step in deepening its ties with ASEAN. It reflects Finland’s recognition of Southeast Asia’s growing geopolitical and economic importance. This move aligns with Finland’s broader strategy to engage more actively with the region, fostering stronger diplomatic and economic collaborations. For ASEAN, Finland’s involvement could bring in fresh perspectives and expertise, particularly in areas like green energy and digital innovation.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you, dr. Ratnawati, for your insights. To wrap up, what are the key takeaways from this enhanced partnership between Indonesia and Finland?
Dr. Ratnawati: This partnership is a testament to the evolving nature of international collaboration. It’s not just about economic or diplomatic ties but also about addressing global challenges like infrastructure development, peace initiatives, and regional stability.The commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration, particularly in areas like smart infrastructure and global peace efforts, sets a benchmark for other countries. As Indonesia continues its journey toward OECD membership, Finland’s support will remain a cornerstone of this progress.
