Indonesia Advances Toward OECD Membership – A Historic Step for Southeast Asia

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has achieved a historic milestone as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has decided to process Indonesia’s bid to become its newest member, announced Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. This development marks a significant moment, as Indonesia is set to become the first OECD member from Southeast Asia and the third Asian member, following Japan and South Korea.

The decision to open discussions on Indonesia’s accession was made by the OECD Council on Tuesday, responding to Indonesia’s expressed willingness to join the organization. Airlangga Hartarto highlighted the historical significance of this moment during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Indonesia has been a key partner of the OECD since 2007, with the organization serving as a strategic ally for the Indonesian government in formulating progressive and globally-accepted national policies. The OECD’s decision to consider Indonesia’s accession follows an assessment conducted by its members using the Evidence-based Framework for the Consideration of Prospective Members.

Looking ahead, the OECD and Indonesia will collaboratively develop a road map dedicated to Indonesia’s journey toward full membership. The road map will focus on several priority issues, including free trade and investment, public governance, integrity, corruption prevention, environmental protection, and measures for mitigating climate change.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto expressed optimism about the process, citing Indonesia’s successful track record in completing international trade agreements. He outlined the potential benefits of OECD membership for Indonesia, including escaping the middle-income trap, attracting more investment, promoting global business entities, enhancing the quality of human resources, endorsing a green economy, and advancing digitization.

Several countries, including Australia, Japan, Germany, and Slovakia, have submitted written statements supporting Indonesia’s accession to the OECD. The move toward OECD membership reflects Indonesia’s commitment to global collaboration and adherence to international standards, positioning the country as a key player in shaping progressive policies on a broader scale.