Relations focus on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in the G7+ framework with a view to accelerating the energy transition, promoting economic ties, global issues such as climate action, sustainable development strategies, Germany’s assistance in reforming the Indonesian vocational training sector, and multilateral cooperation.

As the largest members, respectively, of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the two countries connect on numerous regional policy issues.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, making it an important partner in dialogue on religious issues and the prevention of radicalisation.

There has been no investment protection agreement in place since 2017; an EU-Indonesian free trade agreement is currently being negotiated. The German Government held talks with Indonesia on the fringes of the 2023 Hannover Messe on the creation of a mixed business and investment committee. The first meeting is took place in 2024. Indonesia’s role in the field of climate and environment is globally relevant – not only because of its extensive forests, mangroves, peatlands and marine ecosystems and its rich biodiversity, but also because it is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, in particular from the energy sector. Indonesia has committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement. The energy sector will play a decisive role in Indonesia’s ability to achieve its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution). Germany is one of Indonesia’s leading development partners. The focus in this area is on promoting renewable energies, developing climate-friendly infrastructure, conserving forests, digitalisation and vocational training.

For years Germany has been one of the top choices for Indonesian students wanting to study abroad. The German language also remains very popular, with around 150,000 people in Indonesia currently learning it.