Jakarta (ANTARA) – Regional economic cooperation remains an important pillar for maintaining global stability and growth. One of the largest forums that plays a role in this context is APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), an economic forum hosting 21 Pacific Rim countries.
This forum has the primary function of strengthening trade connectivity, investment and inclusive and sustainable economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
The role of APEC is increasingly under the spotlight for Indonesia, especially with President Prabowo Subianto’s presence at the APEC 2025 high-level conference (summit) to be held in South Korea from October 31 to November 1, 2025.
Indonesia’s participation in the forum confirms the government’s commitment to continue expanding economic opportunities, strengthening international cooperation and promoting national interests on the global stage.
Through its involvement in APEC, Indonesia is expected to gain many strategic benefits for economic progress, especially in terms of free trade, MSME competitiveness, digital innovation and economic resilience amidst ever-changing global dynamics.
The following is the function of APEC and its benefits for Indonesia, based on information gathered from various sources.
APEC’s main function is regional economic cooperation
1. Increase economic growth and regional prosperity
APEC was formed with the grand mission of strengthening equitable and sustainable economic development in Asia Pacific countries through various collaborative programs.
2. Open access to trade and investment
This forum encourages the elimination of various tariff and non-tariff barriers so that the flow of goods, services and investments between members becomes smoother and mutually beneficial.
3. Strengthen economic cooperation and increase capacity
Member countries are invited to exchange experiences, share technology and receive technical support to accelerate economic progress, especially for developing countries.
4. Become a communication bridge for the business world
APEC provides a dialogue space for the private sector to convey challenges and opportunities in the economic and trade sectors, so that the policies produced are more relevant to the needs of industry players.
5. Encourage global trade liberalization without being exclusionary
Although it focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, APEC still supports an open global trading system and does not lead to the formation of a closed bloc.
6. Strengthen free trade in Southeast Asia
APEC also supports ASEAN’s efforts to expand free markets so that regional economic integration becomes stronger and more interconnected.
7. Create an integrated economic community
In its long-term vision, APEC wants to create a more compact and connected economic region, so that each member is able to compete globally.
Benefits of APEC for Indonesia
1. Dynamic forum on global economic issues
APEC provides space for Indonesia to participate in discussions on various international economic challenges in a more flexible and adaptive manner.
2. Support the consolidation towards free trade
Indonesia’s involvement in APEC is in line with efforts to strengthen multilateral trade that is more open and includes principles of fairness for all members.
3. Encourage the role of the private sector and society
Through APEC, the participation of Indonesia’s business community is increasingly being expanded so that it can prepare to face an era of competitive trade liberalization.
4. Human resource development and capacity building
Indonesia has opportunities in various programs of skill improvement, technology transfer and increasing the competitiveness of human resources and national institutions.
5. Increase the growth potential of trade and investment
APEC is a strategic gateway for investment flows and market expansion of Indonesian products in the Asia Pacific region, which is the largest market in the world.
6. A forum for exchanging experiences and best practices
Indonesia can learn from other countries’ economic strategies, as well as share national successes through dialogue and collaboration among members.
7. Affirm national position and interests in the global arena
Active participation in APEC helps Indonesia strengthen its economic position in international relations and ensures that national interests remain reconciled in an open global forum.
Read also: Complete list of 21 APEC member countries and the year they joined
Read also: Get to know APEC Forum: A Forum for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
Read also: China will strengthen APEC at the forefront of the global economy
Reporter: Sean Anggiatheda Sitorus
Publisher: Alviansyah Pasaribu
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