Published on: 01 October 2025

This paper explores the evolving dynamics of ASEAN–EU relations from an Indonesian perspective, contextualised within the lingering shadows of colonial legacies and the opportunities of twenty-first-century strategic cooperation. It analyses the “bipolar” nature of Indonesia’s stance, which is characterised by a mix of historical resentment and pragmatic cooperation. This is exemplified by President Prabowo Subianto’s shifting rhetoric, from criticising the EU for “double standards” and embracing non-Western powers like BRICS, to a more conciliatory tone following the political breakthrough on the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) in July 2025. The essay also investigates bilateral ties with key EU member states, ASEAN–EU strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific, and mutual commitments to multilateralism, connectivity, and sustainable development. While Southeast Asian public opinion surveys reveal fluctuating trust in the EU, the IEU-CEPA and a convergence in Indo-Pacific strategies signal a new phase of engagement. The paper concludes that a successful partnership depends on both sides’ ability to confront the past honestly, build on shared values, and foster equitable cooperation to navigate a multipolar world, and help shape a more stable, inclusive and sustainable international order.

For full article, please open the link:

https://www.twai.it/articles/asean-eu-relations-indonesian-perspective/

Published in TWAI in the article "Indo-Pacific outlooks: implications for the EU-ASEAN relationship and Italy’s role in Southeast Asia".

IRSEA has the author’s consent to republish this article.

Prof. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Habibie Center is Honorary Member of the Romanian Institute for Europe-Asia Studies – IRSEA.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA.