Indonesia is still preparing its Indonesia FIT application even though officials have repeatedly expressed interest in joining the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership. The coalition, created in 2025 by Singapore, Brunei, and several global partners, aims to strengthen supply chains and support economic cooperation. Jakarta has made clear that it wants a seat at the table, but the formal steps have not yet begun. Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that Indonesia intends to participate. However, he noted that the government has not submitted the official membership letter required to start the process. He added that Indonesia can move quickly once the application is sent, signaling readiness to join when the window opens.
Regional Momentum and Indonesia FIT Application Outlook
The Indonesia FIT application comes at a time when the partnership continues to grow. Founding members include countries from ASEAN, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. Recently, Malaysia and Paraguay joined, expanding the group’s reach to sixteen economies. Indonesia first engaged with the coalition as an observer at a ministerial meeting. At that session, Jakarta advocated for paperless trade, arguing that digital systems would improve transparency and efficiency for exporters and small enterprises. The government views FIT as a useful platform to strengthen cybersecurity, harmonize standards, and support micro and small businesses in gaining access to global markets.
Membership Pause Slows Indonesia’s Timing
Although interest remains strong, Singapore announced that the FIT Partnership would temporarily pause new admissions. Members want time to build internal systems and develop early initiatives before expanding again. This means Indonesia must wait for the admission window to reopen before sending its Indonesia FIT application. Despite the pause, Jakarta continues to pursue wider global trade agreements. It is finalizing a preferential trade deal with Tunisia and advancing negotiations with partners affected by shifting tariffs. Indonesia’s export performance also remains solid, showing growth in the first nine months of 2025, while foreign direct investment flows increased significantly.
Indonesia’s Strategy for Global Cooperation
President Prabowo Subianto continues to emphasize an approach centered on wide-ranging partnerships. His repeated message that a thousand friends are too few highlights Indonesia’s intention to deepen global cooperation. That outlook aligns closely with the goals of the FIT Partnership. Once the membership freeze lifts, Indonesia is expected to move swiftly. Until then, policymakers are preparing the Indonesia FIT application to ensure quick entry when the coalition resumes admissions.
