Indonesia's National Interests In Ratifying The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement

Ilham Umpuhilal; Muhammad Huda Atthoriq

doi:10.31258/6hzgf768

Authors

Ilham Umpuhilal Riau University Author
Muhammad Huda Atthoriq Sakarya University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31258/6hzgf768

Keywords:

Free Trade Agreement, national interests, RCEP

Abstract

This research analyzes the reasons why Indonesia chose to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, What are Indonesia’s National Interests to implement this agreement. This decision is influenced by the fact that Indonesia had already established free trade agreements with the countries that are members of RCEP. Indonesia's participation in this agreement can be traced back to the ratification of its provisions into national law by the Indonesian government in 2022, through the “Undang-undang No. 24 Tahun 2022” concerning the Ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). This research uses a qualitative method with a document study approach, with data collection throughout books, journals, official websites, and official reports. This research uses the theory of International Cooperation and National Interest as its conceptual framework. The findings of this study suggest that Indonesia’s involvement in RCEP is driven by multiple strategic considerations. Participation in the agreement has enhanced the competitiveness and commodity export of Indonesia in global markets, particularly among RCEP member states. Additionally, by implementing this agreement, Indonesia can attract more foreign investment. In contrast, abstaining from the agreement could have placed Indonesian commodities at a disadvantage in these markets.

Author Biographies

Ilham Umpuhilal, Riau University

Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Science
Muhammad Huda Atthoriq, Sakarya University

Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Sciences

References

Asean.org. (2009). Primer on Rules of Origin ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area. ASEAN Secretariat.

ASEAN. (2012). Joint Declaration on the Launch of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

ASEAN. (2020). Naskah Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Badan Pusat Statistik. (2022). Analisis Komoditas Ekspor, 2017-2021, Sektor Pertanian, Kehutanan, dan Perikanan; Sektor Industri Pengolahan; Dan Sektor Pertambangan dan Lainnya. In Direktorat Statistik Distribusi. Retrieved May 9, 2025, from https://www.bps.go.id/publication/2022/07/06/280d543f68304d58371310b5/analisis-komoditas-ekspor-2017-2021--sektor-pertanian--kehutanan--danperikanan--industri-pengolahan--pertambangan-dan-lainnya.html.

Badan Pusat Statistik. (2023). Realisasi Investasi Penanaman Modal Luar Negeri Menurut Provinsi - Tabel Statistik - Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia. Retrieved May 9, 2025, from https://www.bps.go.id/id/statistics table/2/MTg0MCMy/realisasiinvestasi-penanaman-modal-luar-negeri-menurut-provinsi.html.

Badan Pusat Statistik. (2024). Statistik Perdagangan Luar Negeri Indonesia Ekspor 2023.

CNBC Indonesia. (2020). Mendag Sebut Kerugian RI Akan Lebih Besar Jika Tak Ikut RCEP. Retrieved May 12, 2025 from Cnbcindonesia.com. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20201120103731-8-203300/mendag-sebut-kerugian-ri-akan-lebih-besar-jika-tak-ikut-rcep.

Humas Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia. (2023). Peringkat Daya Saing Indonesia Naik ke Posisi 34. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://setkab.go.id/peringkatdaya-saing-indonesia-naik-ke-posisi-34/.

Igj.or.id. (2021). Perjanjian RCEP Berpotensi Luas Terhadap Kehidupan Rakyat, DPR RI Harus Melakukan Kajian Dampak Sebelum Menyetujui Ratifikasi. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://igj.or.id/2021/10/15/perjanjian-rcep-berpotensi-luasterhadap-kehidupan-rakyatdpr-ri-harus-melakukan-kajian-dampak-sebelummenyetujui-ratifikasi/

Julina, S. (2022). ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Area) Menguntungkan Atau Merugikan Indonesia Ditinjau Dari Perspektif Neoliberalisme. Jurnal Alternatif: Jurnal Ilmu Hubungan Internasional, 13(2), 2–18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31479/jualter.v13i2.20

Kimura, F., Thangavelu, S., & Narjoko, D. (2022). RCEP and East Asian Regional Integration. In Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: Implications, Challenges, and Future Growth of East Asia and ASEAN (pp. 1–13). ERIA.

La, M. (2018). Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): Progress and Challenges. SSRN Electronic Journal, 7(12). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2990867

Limanseto, H. (2022). Siaran Pers Gelar Konferensi Pers dari Singapura, Menko Airlangga Sampaikan Persetujuan RCEP dan Penguatan Kerja Sama Ekonomi. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from Ekon.Go.Id. https://www.ekon.go.id/publikasi/detail/4495/gelar-konferensi-pers-dari-singapura-menko-airlangga-sampaikan-persetujuan-rcep-dan-penguatan-kerjasama-ekonomi.

Luluk, Z. E., & Octavia, E. (2020). Perkembangan PMDN dan PMA di Indonesia Tahun 2016-2020. In Pusat Kajian Anggaran DPR RI.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. (2022). Timeline and history of the RCEP negotiations. Retieved May 9, 2025, from https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-in-force/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-rcep/nextsteps-and-timeline.

Nilamsari, N. (2014). Memahami Studi Dokumen Dalam Penelitian Kualitatif. Wacana, 8(2), 177–181. https://doi.org/10.32509/wacana.v13i2.143.

Nuechterlein, D. E. (1976). National Interests and Foreign Policy: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis and Decision-Making Author. Journal of International Studies, 2(3), 246–266. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0260210500116729.

PANRB: Kementerian Pendayagunaan Aparatur negara dan Reformasi Birokrasi. (2024). Realisasi Investasi 2023 Capai Rp1.418,9 Triliun. In Info Publik. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.menpan.go.id/site/berita-terkini/berita-daerah/realisasiinvestasi-2023-capai-rp1-418-9-triliun.

Perwita, A. A. B., & Yani, Y. M. (2005). Pengantar Ilmu Hubungan Internasional. PT Remaja Rosdakarya.

Pusat Pengkajian Perdagangan Luar Negeri. (2019). Kajian Pemanfaatan SKA Preferensi Perjanjian Perdagangan Dengan Mitra FTA / CEPA.

Setiawan, S. (2012). Dampak Perjanjian Perdagangan Barang ASEAN-Korea FTA (AKFTA) Terhadap Indonesia Dan Korea Selatan. Kajian Ekonomi Dan Keuangan, 16(1), 71–89.

Sugiyono. (2020). Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kuallitatif, dan Kombinasi (Mixed Methods). Alfabeta.

Tambunan, L. (2020). RCEP: Kesepakatan dagang terbesar di dunia ditandatangani, lalu apa artinya bagi Indonesia? Retrieved May 8, 2025, from Www.Bbc.Com. https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/indonesia-54959651

Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 24 Tahun 2022 Tentang Pengesahan Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Persetujuan Kemitraan Ekonomi Komprehensif Regional).

Zulkifli. (2014). Kerjasama Internasional Sebagai Solusi Pengelolaan Kawasan Perbatasan Negara. Jurnal Ilmiah Cano Ekonomos, 3(2), 139–158.