Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a cornerstone of the global trading system, amid rising protectionism and trade tensions. The country’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, reiterated this stance during a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of an APEC session in Jeju, Republic of Korea, on May 15.

Santoso stressed Indonesia’s support for the WTO as a rule-based multilateral institution essential for resolving trade disputes and maintaining global trade stability. He emphasized that unilateral actions by countries threaten the credibility and effectiveness of the WTO, and called for greater collaboration to ease tensions and promote fair trade.

Expressing concern over the resurgence of protectionist measures worldwide, Santoso urged collective efforts to support the WTO’s reform agenda. He highlighted the importance of upholding the principle of special and differential treatment for developing nations, allowing them equitable participation in the global trade framework.

Santoso further noted that meaningful reforms at the WTO would enhance its capacity to address both current and emerging trade challenges, ensuring that the organization remains relevant and effective in a changing global environment.

In response, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala praised ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, for their constructive engagement amid complex global trade dynamics. She underlined the importance of dialogue over retaliation in resolving international trade disputes and encouraged ASEAN nations to actively support the WTO’s transformation efforts.

Okonjo-Iweala’s call for unity and reform was in line with broader efforts to revive confidence in multilateralism and to adapt the WTO to new economic realities.

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