Jakarta – Indonesian President's Special Envoy for Climate and Energy and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, affirmed that Indonesia is one of the world's safest destinations for global investment, thanks to its consistent commitment to an independent and active foreign policy, political neutrality, and respect for all commitments made to investors.

Hashim delivered the remarks during the Indonesia–Thailand Business Forum, themed "Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and the Halal Economy," held on Tuesday (August 4, 2026), as part of the official visit of H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, to Indonesia.

"Indonesia welcomes investment from around the world. We welcome investors from the United States, China, Japan, Europe, Australia, Russia, and many other countries. Investment in Indonesia is safe, and the government will always honor its commitments to all investors," Hashim said.

According to Hashim, investment certainty has become one of Indonesia's key competitive advantages amid growing geopolitical fragmentation. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia continues to uphold its long-standing independent and active foreign policy while remaining aligned with no particular geopolitical bloc.

Hashim cited a principle frequently emphasized by President Prabowo: "A thousand friends are still too few; one enemy is already too many." He said this philosophy underpins Indonesia's efforts to maintain constructive relations with all nations while fostering a stable and conducive business environment.

"Indonesia has no enemies. That is why we are able to work with every country and provide confidence and security to all investors," he said.

On the occasion, Hashim encouraged Thai businesses to expand their investments in Indonesia as economic ties between the two countries continue to deepen. He noted that Indonesia and Thailand have enjoyed a longstanding relationship that predates the establishment of ASEAN. Both nations also endured the same hardships during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

"I still remember how the 1997 Asian financial crisis nearly destroyed many businesses, including companies I knew personally. Yet Thai companies managed to recover and remain resilient. That reflects the economic strength of both our countries," he said.

Hashim also illustrated the close integration of Indonesia's and Thailand's supply chains by recalling his personal experience of waiting nearly a year for the delivery of a Toyota Alphard after severe flooding disrupted production in Thailand.

According to him, the incident demonstrated how disruptions in one country can immediately affect the other because the two economies have become increasingly interconnected.

"We are truly interconnected. What happens in Thailand affects Indonesia, and vice versa," he said.

He added that such interdependence has become even more evident amid growing global uncertainty, including disruptions to international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which have triggered higher energy and commodity prices.

For that reason, Indonesia and Thailand need to strengthen their collaboration to reduce their vulnerability to external shocks while enhancing regional economic resilience.

"We face the same challenges. That is why there are even stronger reasons for Indonesia and Thailand to work together and reduce our dependence on factors beyond our control," Hashim said.

As the President's Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, Hashim also introduced one of the Indonesian government's major breakthroughs in its energy transition agenda: the launch of the country's national carbon market, which officially commenced operations on July 9, 2026. He said Indonesia's carbon market offers international companies, including those from Thailand, opportunities to acquire carbon credits while investing in low-emission projects across Indonesia.

"Companies seeking to offset their carbon emissions can now take advantage of Indonesia's carbon market. This presents a new opportunity for Thai companies to invest while supporting the global decarbonization agenda," he said.

Hashim reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to fulfilling its international climate obligations and continuing to play an active role in the global climate agenda, including in the lead-up to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

In closing, Hashim expressed optimism that the target of expanding Indonesia–Thailand trade would be achieved even sooner with strong support from the business communities of both countries.

"I am confident that economic relations between Indonesia and Thailand will continue to flourish. Indonesia's business community stands ready to support greater trade, investment, and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries," Hashim concluded.