The German-Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Indonesia/EKONID), in collaboration with Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), and with the support of the German Embassy in Jakarta, welcomed a high-level German delegation to Jakarta for a multi-day visit from 29 April to 1 May 2026. The delegation programme brought together representatives from government, industry, and business institutions to engage with Indonesian stakeholders, explore investment opportunities, and deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
The delegation arrived in Jakarta on 29 April, marking the beginning of a series of engagements designed to provide insights into Indonesia’s economic landscape and industrial priorities.
On 30 April, EKONID officially welcomed the delegation with an opening session featuring remarks by Prijono Sugiarto, Chairman of AHK Indonesia. This was followed by presentations from Dr. Monika Erath, Executive Director of EKONID, and Oliver Döhne, Director of GTAI Indonesia, who outlined the support framework available for German companies entering the Indonesian market.
The delegation included representatives from key German institutions, namely Thomas Bareiß, Member of the German Bundestag; Dr. Robin Borrmann, Deputy CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK); Dr. Kristina Heußner from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE); Julia Braune, CEO of GTAI; and Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), among others. Their participation underscored the strategic importance of Indonesia as a partner for Germany in Southeast Asia.
Engagement with Indonesian Government Stakeholders
As part of the programme, EKONID and the delegation held a meeting with the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM), including Secretary Rudy Salahuddin and Deputy Minister for Investment Promotion Nurul Ichwan, alongside representatives from Danantara, Indonesia’s recently established sovereign investment and strategic management body tasked with overseeing and streamlining state-owned enterprises.
The discussion focused on Indonesia’s investment climate, downstreaming strategy, and industrial development priorities. BKPM outlined 28 key raw materials and natural resources identified under its downstreaming agenda, including minerals and coal such as nickel, tin, and bauxite; oil and gas; fisheries and marine commodities such as tuna, seaweed, and shrimp; as well as plantation products including coconut, palm oil, and rubber.
Representatives from Danantara presented their role in improving efficiency across state-owned enterprises, including efforts to consolidate and streamline their structure as part of broader economic reforms. The exchange also touched on structural measures aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s business environment and investment appeal.
In addition, workforce development was highlighted as part of the discussion, including the potential for sending skilled Indonesian workers to Germany and further adoption of Germany’s dual vocational education system. The meeting provided a platform to strengthen mutual understanding and explore avenues for future collaboration, particularly in aligning policy frameworks and facilitating long-term investment.
Industry and Skills Development: Visit to ASTRAtech
Following the meeting with BKPM and Danantara, the delegation proceeded to visit ASTRAtech to gain insights into vocational education and industry-led training in Indonesia. The visit included a presentation and facility tour, showcasing how collaboration between industry and education institutions contributes to workforce development.
EKONID’s ongoing cooperation with ASTRAtech in vocational training was highlighted during the visit. Coordinated by EKONID’s Training and Education Department, the programme has completed six batches, reflecting continued collaboration between German and Indonesian partners in strengthening skills development.
Business Dialogue: Opportunities for Deeper Partnership
A key highlight of the programme was the Business Talk titled “Germany and Indonesia – Opportunities for a Deeper Partnership,” hosted by EKONID. The event brought together representatives from government, business, and industry to discuss strategic areas of cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Prijono Sugiarto, Chairman of AHK Indonesia, highlighted EKONID’s role as a bridge between Germany and Indonesia’s business communities for more than a century, emphasizing the importance of building on this long-standing foundation to further expand cooperation.
Thomas Bareiß, Member of the German Bundestag, noted that it was his first visit to Indonesia and expressed appreciation for the strong groundwork already established in bilateral relations. He underlined that mutual trust between both countries is well in place and provides a solid basis for deeper engagement.
Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri pointed to the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA) as a key instrument to enhance trade and investment flows, highlighting its potential to further expand collaboration between Germany and Indonesia.
German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste addressed the broader global context, including current geopolitical and energy-related challenges, emphasizing the need for timely and coordinated action. His remarks underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to navigate ongoing global uncertainties.
These perspectives were further developed during the panel discussion, which featured representatives from BKPM, DIHK, GTAI, industry leaders, and the National Battery Research Institute. The discussion addressed key topics including downstreaming, industrial cooperation, and investment opportunities, offering insights into potential avenues for expanding German-Indonesian business collaboration.
The session concluded with a networking reception, providing participants with an opportunity to continue discussions and strengthen connections.
Industry Insights: Visit to Siemens Indonesia
The delegation last stop was the visit to Siemens Indonesia, where they engaged with company leadership and toured the Siemens Xperience Center. The visit provided insights into Siemens’ operations and its role in Indonesia’s technological development.
With more than 50 years of presence in the country, Siemens represents a longstanding example of German–Indonesian industrial cooperation. The session highlighted contributions across sectors such as energy, electrification, automation, digital industries, and infrastructure, as well as the importance of innovation and long-term collaboration.
The delegation programme reflects ongoing efforts to enhance economic ties between Germany and Indonesia. Through engagements with government institutions, industry players, and business representatives, the visit provided a platform to exchange insights, explore opportunities, and reinforce partnerships.
EKONID extends its appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, and participants for their active engagement and contributions throughout the programme, which played a key role in ensuring the success of the delegation visit.
