Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas is exploring opportunities to strengthen extradition cooperation between Indonesia and Switzerland, aiming to enhance mutual legal assistance (MLA) in various areas. The minister emphasized the importance of anticipating future developments, despite the absence of current bilateral issues, during a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Olivier Zehnder on February 26, 2025.
Expanding Mutual Legal Assistance
Indonesia and Switzerland previously signed an MLA agreement in 2019, setting the groundwork for collaboration beyond legal affairs. Minister Agtas expressed his desire for Switzerland to engage in Indonesia’s priority programs, particularly in the downstream sector. He highlighted the country’s efforts in streamlining business processes through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, aiming to digitize 500 services by 2026 to facilitate investment opportunities for Switzerland.
Furthermore, the Indonesia-EFTA CEPA serves as a promising platform for enhancing bilateral relations, with the Ministry of Law playing a vital role in ensuring legal security for incoming investments. Minister Agtas envisioned Switzerland as a key investor in Indonesia’s trade and industry, leveraging the nation’s high-quality raw materials for broader market access in Europe.
Promising Investment Opportunities
Ambassador Zehnder echoed Minister Agtas’ sentiments, expressing his interest in identifying lucrative investment prospects through discussions with Indonesian ministries and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ambassador emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth in both countries to facilitate smoother investment processes for Switzerland in Indonesia.
The collaborative efforts between Indonesia and Switzerland extend beyond economic ties, as demonstrated by joint initiatives such as dual-system vocational education and employment cooperation. President Joko Widodo’s call for a review of regulations hindering self-sufficiency further underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships between the two nations.
As the dialogue between Indonesia and Switzerland progresses, the potential for expanded cooperation in various sectors remains promising, paving the way for robust bilateral relations and mutually beneficial outcomes. The shared vision for a dynamic partnership underscores the commitment to deeper engagement and enduring collaboration between the two nations.
