Preparatory discussions mark a key step toward 2027 membership, aiming to expand exports, attract investment and strengthen Indonesia’s role in global value chains.
Preparatory discussions for Indonesia’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have officially begun after member countries agreed to launch the process during the bloc’s 10th Commission Meeting, held virtually on June 26, 2026.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the discussions mark the first step toward establishing an accession working group, with Indonesia targeting full membership by 2027.
Airlangga expressed confidence that the process would proceed smoothly, noting that Indonesia already complies with most CPTPP principles through its commitments under the WTO, ASEAN, RCEP and OECD frameworks.
“Therefore, we only need to make some statutory adjustments to fulfill our commitment at CPTPP,” he said on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Membership expected to boost trade and investment
Indonesia has aligned its domestic regulations with CPTPP provisions across 22 chapters and submitted its aspiring member questionnaire to New Zealand, the agreement’s depository country, on May 12, 2025. Airlangga also highlighted the United Kingdom’s support for Indonesia’s bid, reflected in the Indonesia-UK Economic Growth Partnership signed on Jan. 19, 2026.
According to Airlangga, joining the CPTPP, whose 12 member economies account for around 15% of global GDP and nearly 600 million people, would expand Indonesia’s export markets, boost trade and investment, and strengthen its position in regional and global value chains.
Businesses are also expected to benefit from simpler customs procedures, updated digital trade rules, stronger investment and intellectual property protection, and harmonized rules of origin. Consumers, meanwhile, could enjoy a wider range of products at more competitive prices.
He added that the government will continue pursuing bilateral free trade agreements alongside the CPTPP accession process.
