Indonesia Explores New U.S. Investment Opportunities at 47th ASEAN Summit

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, discussed opportunities for economic cooperation with the United States during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

In a bilateral meeting with Jacob Helberg, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, Airlangga highlighted areas with strong potential for joint development.

Airlangga emphasized that Indonesia continues to open strategic investment opportunities for U.S. partners.

These include refinery projects for nickel and other critical minerals, advanced semiconductor technologies, tech talent development, artificial intelligence, data centers, renewable energy, and exploration of small modular nuclear reactors.

“The current relationship between Indonesia and the United States is very positive,” Airlangga said.

“This is an important momentum to further strengthen mutually beneficial economic cooperation, trade, and investment. We see many concrete opportunities for collaboration.”

Beyond economic and energy partnerships, Airlangga noted that Indonesia is considering hosting the Southeast Asia Forum on Export Control (SEAFEC) 2026. The forum aims to enhance strategic trade management and export supervision systems across the region.

Airlangga reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the United States, particularly in building resilient supply chains, promoting sustainable investments, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

“The partnership between Indonesia and the U.S. continues to grow in the spirit of mutual respect and shared economic benefit,” he added.

Highlights from the 47th ASEAN Summit

The 47th ASEAN Summit, held from October 26–28, 2025, brought together heads of state and government from all ASEAN member countries. President Prabowo Subianto also attended the event.

Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, Director General of ASEAN Cooperation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference on Wednesday, October 22, that the summit addressed key regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and disputes in the South China Sea.

On the summit’s opening day, October 26, ASEAN leaders participated in a ceremonial opening and signed the declaration welcoming Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN.

Throughout the three-day event, leaders attended plenary sessions, retreats, and bilateral meetings with partner countries such as Japan, India, the United States, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Other gatherings included the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, East Asia Summit, RCEP Leaders’ Summit, and the Asia Zero Emission Communities Meeting.

Three side events were also held: the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, the Bloomberg Business Summit, and the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, drawing participation from investors, business leaders, and regional development partners.

Malaysia, as host, invited seven honorary guests, including leaders from Brazil, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Council, the IMF, and the World Bank.