“Indonesia and Sri Lanka share common development priorities”

Indonesia and Sri Lanka, while following distinct development paths, share common aspirations in strengthening human capital, enhancing food security, attracting investment, and building resilience to emerging global challenges.

This was stated by Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, at the Pathfinder Foundation Ambassadors’ Roundtable held at the Colombo Club, Taj Samudra, Colombo.

The Ambassador noted that as Indian Ocean states, both countries have strong shared interests in improving connectivity, expanding trade and investment, and promoting regional stability and prosperity through deeper and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Highlighting Indonesia’s economic strength, she said the country, with a population exceeding 280 million and a GDP of around US$ 1.4 trillion, remains the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Despite global uncertainties, Indonesia has sustained resilient growth of about 5% in recent years, supported by industrial development and infrastructure investment.

Ambassador Tobing outlined Indonesia’s long-term vision of becoming a developed, prosperous, and globally influential nation by 2045 under President Prabowo Subianto, building on successive administrations’ development agendas.

She said this “Golden Vision 2045” is anchored on key pillars, including human development and mastery of science and technology, national resilience and governance reform, sustainable economic development, and equitable development aimed at ensuring inclusive growth across regions and communities.

She also highlighted Indonesia’s natural resource base, including nickel, palm oil, coal, and gold, which continues to attract foreign investment and support industrialisation and value-added economic growth.

Looking ahead, Indonesia aims to become the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2045, with projected GDP reaching between US$ 9.1 trillion and US$ 9.8 trillion, and GDP per capita rising to US$ 23,000–US$ 30,000.

Reaffirming bilateral ties, Ambassador Tobing said Sri Lanka remains a valued partner for Indonesia. “We would like to share Indonesia’s progress and opportunities through collaboration. Our partnership is important, and we look forward to strengthening it further in the years ahead,” she said.

Opening the session, Executive Director of the Pathfinder Foundation, Dr. Dayaratna Silva, highlighted Indonesia’s development journey as an important example for countries of the Global South. He noted Indonesia’s rise as a G20 member, its growing regional and global influence, and its leadership role within ASEAN, including its contribution to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade agreement.