Indonesia and UK Explore New Economic Frontiers during at APPG Roundtable

London, 3 June 2025 — The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indonesia hosted a focused roundtable on Tuesday (20/05) at the UK Houses of Parliament to discuss strategic collaboration between Indonesia and the United Kingdom in critical minerals, a sector taking on increased prominence with shifting global economic pressures.

The session, titled ‘Critical Minerals Collaboration in a Changing World Order’, was held in conjunction with the UK visit of Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and CEO of Bakrie & Brothers. The event was sponsored by Equatorise, a leading advisory company specializing in international sustainability and strategic partnerships.

Bakrie explained the broader goal behind this engagement, “This is our effort to tap into new markets beyond America and China, through multilateral cooperation like the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and BRICS, as well as bilateral partnerships such as with the UK.”

Artificial Intelligence was identified as a promising area for future cooperation, particularly in energy and education. There was consensus on the importance of adapting AI solutions to Indonesia’s local context to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes.

The roundtable also explored the role of strategic partnerships with institutions such as Danantara (Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund), state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and Kadin to unlock infrastructure and industrial opportunities.

Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, HE Desra Percaya, also asserted that the meeting can improve economic relationships between the two countries. “What is now our priority is to have firm relationships between Indonesia and the UK with the view to establishing stronger mutually beneficial trade and investment relations,” Desra said.

Alongside Anindya Bakrie and H.E. Desra Percaya, the discussion also featured Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Chair of the APPG on Indonesia, and Naz Shah MP, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia and ASEAN.

“The UK and Indonesia have a shared interest in building resilient, forward-looking economies. By working together on critical minerals and sustainable industries, we not only open up new trade opportunities but also support the global transition to cleaner, more secure supply chains,” said Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Chair of the APPG on Indonesia.

The roundtable reaffirmed the APPG’s commitment to deepening UK–Indonesia relations through open dialogue, strategic cooperation, and innovative partnerships in today’s interconnected world.