Indonesia and Uruguay Mark 60 Years With Push to Expand Trade, Agriculture and Energy Cooperation
Indonesia and Uruguay are seeking to turn six decades of diplomatic relations into deeper economic cooperation, with trade, agriculture, food security and renewable energy emerging as key areas for closer engagement.
JAKARTA — Indonesia and Uruguay are looking to strengthen economic ties as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides identifying trade, investment, agriculture, food security and renewable energy as priority areas for cooperation.
The commitment was highlighted during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta involving Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir and Uruguay’s Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi, held as part of activities marking six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Agriculture emerged as a particularly promising area, with Uruguay offering to share technical expertise and agricultural practices with Indonesian farmers through capacity building programmes aimed at improving domestic production.
Uruguay is a major South American producer and exporter of beef and dairy products, giving it potential expertise to contribute to Indonesia’s food security objectives. Cooperation could cover livestock, dairy production, agricultural technology and other areas aimed at strengthening domestic food production.
Trade and investment are also expected to become more important in the relationship. Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Uruguay reached US$112.5 million in 2025, representing a 70.7 per cent increase from the previous year.
Both governments have agreed to advance negotiations on the Indonesia-Mercosur Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, potentially giving Indonesian companies greater access to markets across the South American trade bloc.
Uruguay currently holds the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur and has reaffirmed its support for strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with the bloc. The two countries also see opportunities to expand business engagement and investment as Indonesia seeks to diversify its international economic partnerships.
Montevideo has further reaffirmed its support for Indonesia’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, another development that could strengthen Indonesia’s integration into major regional trade networks.
Energy is another emerging area of cooperation, with the two countries exploring opportunities in renewable energy as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy security and support sustainable economic development.
The discussions also covered cooperation through multilateral organisations and wider international issues, including Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its role in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Indonesia is pursuing full OECD membership, while Uruguay holds partner country status. Both sides see potential for closer coordination and the exchange of experience through the organisation.
The diplomatic anniversary has provided a platform for both countries to move beyond traditional diplomatic engagement and focus on practical economic opportunities.
For Indonesia, closer ties with Uruguay could provide access to agricultural expertise and new markets while strengthening its links with Mercosur. For Uruguay, deeper engagement with Southeast Asia offers an opportunity to expand its economic and diplomatic presence in one of the world's fastest growing regions.
The two countries also marked the 60th anniversary through the launch of a joint postage stamp, symbolising six decades of diplomatic relations and their intention to build on the relationship.
With Indonesia seeking new markets and investment partnerships and Uruguay looking to deepen its engagement with Asia, the relationship could take on greater commercial significance in the years ahead.
