Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is exploring opportunities for collaboration with Estonia, particularly in digitalization, through the Estonia-Indonesia Business Forum held at the Kadin Indonesia Tower in South Jakarta (04/22). This exploration is expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Bernardino Moningka Vega, Vice Chairman for International Trade at Kadin Indonesia, detailed that the cooperation in digitalization includes the development of a tech center in Indonesia. “We can develop a tech center here. Currently in Bali, several Estonian companies have already been established to collaborate with digital companies in Indonesia,” Bernardino stated at the Kadin Indonesia Tower in South Jakarta (04/22).
In 2024, trade between Indonesia and Estonia reached $540 million, marking an increase of around 40% compared to the previous year. Bernardino is optimistic that Estonia could serve as a gateway for Indonesia to penetrate European markets. Beyond digitalization, the two parties also explore cooperation in the food and beverage and tourism sectors. He added, “The Estonian delegation also includes several business representatives from the Estonian Chamber of Commerce who are seeking collaboration between Indonesia and Estonia, as well as inviting us to Estonia to explore deeper cooperation in these three sectors.”
During the Estonia-Indonesia Business Forum, Kadin Indonesia and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce (Kaubandus-Tööstuskoda/KTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and business partnerships. Bernardino was accompanied by Adriana Sri Lestari, Chairman of the Bilateral Committee of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) of Kadin Indonesia. Priit Turk, Estonia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Singapore, and ASEAN, also witnessed the MoU signing.
Digitizing 100% of public services
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the Estonian Chamber of Commerce delegation’s visit to Jakarta aimed to strengthen bilateral relations. He acknowledged Indonesia as a rapidly growing economy with great potential. “For Estonia, it is very important to have strong and practical relations. Our Chamber of Commerce and Kadin just signed an MoU on cooperation. As the Prime Minister of Estonia, I witnessed this because advancing trade and business cooperation is a priority for us,” Margus said at the Kadin Indonesia Tower in South Jakarta (04/22).
Furthermore, Margus highlighted that Estonia, as a digital nation, has digitized 100% of its public services, except for marriage. Nearly all public services are available online, including e-residency programs. He emphasized, “We have developed our digitalization journey over more than 20 years in collaboration with the private sector. Now, alongside the business delegation, we are seeking investment and cooperation opportunities in the region—particularly in Indonesia.”
Meanwhile, Oliver Väärtnõu, Deputy Chairman of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that several Estonian companies have already established operations in Indonesia to collaborate with local digital firms. He added, “This is a significant step in our cooperation with Indonesia, as we seek partners and encourage delegations to visit Estonia. Everyone wants to learn more about Indonesia. Our delegation will be here for a week, looking for concrete opportunities.”
Several Estonian entrepreneurs have already invested in Bali’s real estate sector, with some actively seeking new partnerships and opportunities. “Indonesia is a highly attractive, fast-growing, and agile market, which certainly appeals to Estonian businesses,” Oliver concluded.
