Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is calling for stronger economic cooperation with Sweden, highlighting opportunities for Swedish companies as Indonesia deepens its ties with the European Union and works towards OECD membership.
Speaking at the Sweden-Indonesia Sustainability Partnership (SISP) 2026 Business Dinner in Jakarta on 8 September, Kadin Deputy Chairman for Foreign Relations Bernardino M. Vega said there was “significant room to grow” the economic relationship between the two countries.
Around 80 Swedish companies are currently operating in Indonesia, while bilateral trade stands at approximately US$825 million, according to Kadin. The chamber said the figure remains relatively modest compared with Indonesia’s total trade in goods with the EU, which is around US$27 billion.
Vega identified the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) as one of the main opportunities for expanding Swedish business in Indonesia. The agreement would eliminate around 98.5% of Indonesia’s tariffs on EU goods while also improving access to services and simplifying customs procedures.
Kadin said a survey found that 66% of Swedish companies in Indonesia expect the agreement to improve their business prospects, while 54% anticipate lower import duties on EU raw materials and finished products.
Indonesia’s OECD accession process could provide another avenue for cooperation. Kadin is inviting Swedish companies, business organisations and regulators to share expertise on areas including competition policy, regulatory impact assessment and anti-corruption compliance.
Vega also pointed to opportunities in electric vehicles, mining, healthcare, food and forestry, where Swedish technology and expertise could complement Indonesia’s resources and growing market.
“Indonesia offers market scale, resources, demographics, and a growing economy, while Sweden brings standards, technology and institutional credibility,” Vega said.
