Jakarta - Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), expressed optimism regarding the strengthening of economic relations between Indonesia and Brazil through the Indonesia-Brazil Business Forum 2025, held in conjunction with the visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Indonesia at The St. Regis Hotel, South Jakarta, on Thursday (23/10/2025).

Known familiarly as “Anin,” he appreciated the role of both governments in providing opportunities for the business community to participate in enhancing Indonesia-Brazil diplomatic relations.

“I am very grateful to President Prabowo and President Lula da Silva for giving the business sector a role in this Indonesia-Brazil diplomatic engagement. We were given the opportunity to sign an MoU with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency),” said Anin.

According to him, the cooperation between Kadin and ApexBrasil aims to boost promotion, accelerate investment, and expand trade between the two countries while adhering to principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

“The key point is that Indonesia now needs alternative trade and investment partners. South-South collaborations, such as those within BRICS, are crucial. After our partnership with South Africa, now with Brazil, this represents a strategic step,” Anin explained.

He further highlighted the vast potential between the two countries, which together have a population of around half a billion people, yet their trade value currently stands at only about USD 6 billion.

“We are optimistic that this figure could double or triple within the next five to ten years. President Lula also emphasized that we must continue striving to increase trade and investment, as this will create more jobs and foster new entrepreneurs,” Anin said.

Regarding commodities, Brazil has been a major supplier of soybeans, sugar, and meat to Indonesia. Conversely, Indonesia exports palm oil, garments, footwear, and automotive products to Brazil.

“What is interesting about Brazil is that they have both food and energy security. This is an important lesson for us in maintaining national economic sustainability,” added Anin.

Anin also noted that Brazil and Indonesia share a common vision as developing countries with potential to become new powers in energy transition and climate change mitigation.

“Brazil and Indonesia are like siblings on different continents. Both aim to become superpowers in energy transition and climate change. We have nickel, they have various other critical minerals. We have bauxite, and they have complementary resources,” he said.

“So, the key is how the business sector can continue to ensure sustainable business practices so that Indonesia can achieve 5.5% growth and gradually increase further,” Anin added.

Brazil, he noted, has long been a pioneer in biofuel-based renewable energy, particularly ethanol developed over the past 25–30 years.

“This demonstrates that renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported oil and gas. Moreover, Brazil is beginning to explore biodiversity as a potential future economic asset,” Anin explained.

As a next step, Indonesia and Brazil are exploring a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Mercosur bloc, the Latin American trade region often likened to ASEAN.

“We are seeking alternative economic agreements like CEPA, but with Mercosur, the ASEAN of Latin America, where Brazil is the largest economy,” concluded Anin.

Mercosur includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.

Meanwhile, ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana stated that the forum represents an important momentum to strengthen economic relations between Indonesia and Brazil, especially amid shifting global dynamics.

“With shared views on sustainability, food security, and energy transition, and now with direct political channels through BRICS, Indonesia affirms its position as Brazil’s gateway to ASEAN and a key pillar in Brazil’s market diversification in Asia,” said Viana.

He added that the presence of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with over 100 Brazilian entrepreneurs and institutional representatives, reflects Brazil’s government commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Indonesia.

“We bring Brazil’s productive sector diversity and strength to engage with local governments and businesses, identify partnership potential, address challenges, and open opportunities for Brazilian products,” Viana emphasized.

Kadin Indonesia and ApexBrasil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic cooperation between Indonesia and Brazil. The cooperation focuses on exchanging data and information, promoting trade, conducting business missions, supporting companies and facilitating investment in both countries, collaborating on innovation and sustainability, and encouraging participation in trade promotion activities and dialogues on international trade at events held in Indonesia and Brazil.