Ratification of IEU-CEPA Targeted to Begin in November 2026

The Government is targeting November 2026 for the commencement of the ratification process for the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“IEU-CEPA”). Johni Marta, Director General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade (“Kemendag”), stated that the Indonesian Government is ready to ratify the agreement and is currently awaiting the completion of the relevant process on the European Union’s side.

“We are ready to ratify the agreement, and we are currently waiting for the European Union,” Johni told Hukumonline.

Johni explained that the European Union had committed to completing the legal scrubbing process across its 27 member states by November 2026. Upon completion of this process, ratification of the IEU-CEPA is expected to proceed promptly.

Nevertheless, the legal instrument for ratifying the agreement has yet to be determined, including whether ratification will be effected through a Regulation of the President (Perpres) or a law. Johni stated that the appropriate form of the ratification instrument would be discussed with Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR).

“I cannot comment on that yet, as the decision will ultimately be determined by the DPR,” he added.

With regard to the implementation of the IEU-CEPA, Johni expressed optimism that the trade agreement could still enter into force on 1 January 2027. Nevertheless, the Government is anticipating the possibility of a delay in implementation of one to two months.