Indonesia uniting ASEAN against EUDR

Indonesia is taking the initiative to unite ASEAN member countries against what it perceives as broader discriminatory global sustainability policies, but particularly the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), even with the regulation’s delay.
This development comes as ASEAN grapples with the potential economic impacts of such regulations on its key export commodities.
At the 24th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Ministerial Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, on October 7, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, made a case for ASEAN unity against the EUDR.
“I invite all ASEAN member countries to be united and pro-active in responding in a measurable manner to discriminatory world sustainability policies such as the EUDR, because they have a negative impact on the economy and the lives of many people,” Airlangga said.
The EUDR, which was originally scheduled to take effect at the end of December 2024, has now been postponed until 2026.
This delay provides a crucial window for ASEAN countries to develop a cohesive strategy and strengthen their position in discussions with the EU.
Indonesia has been raising its objections to the EUDR among EU officials since the law was first floated.
Although Indonesia and Malaysia have been part of the Joint Task Force with the European Union to share views and proposals, Indonesia is now seeking a broader, bloc-wide approach.