US-ASEAN Business Council Kicks Off In-Country Workshop to Strengthen Indonesia's Readiness for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)
(Jakarta, Indonesia) – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in partnership with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, convened an in-country workshop to deepen understanding and alignment on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) among domestic line ministries and regulatory agencies on Monday, 30 June 2025 in Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, Indonesia. The workshop served as a strategic platform for public-private dialogue and to highlight the critical role of high-standard DEFA provisions in supporting Indonesia’s digital economy ambitions.
The workshop brought together leading private sector representatives and industry associations to offer insights on how a high-standard and commercially meaningful DEFA can foster a resilient, inclusive, and competitive digital ecosystem in Indonesia that benefits businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Discussions focused on four core areas of the agreement: non-discriminatory treatment of digital products, open digital markets, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows.
“Across the region, the digital economy is rapidly transforming how we live, work, and do business. From large enterprises to micro, medium, and small businesses, digitalization is opening doors to innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness,” said Mr. Angga Antagia, Senior Director for ASEAN & Strategic Initiatives at USABC. “The ASEAN DEFA offers a timely opportunity to shape the rules and standards that will govern this transformation. But to unlock its full potential, we must ensure that every stakeholder—especially domestic line agencies and regulators—has a strong understanding of the core elements that make up a future-ready digital economy. USABC stands ready to support the government throughout the process of DEFA, including in consultation sessions, capacity-building activities, and future implementation of DEFA.”
With ASEAN aiming for the substantial conclusion of DEFA by the end of 2025, USABC remains steadfast in its support for the region through sustained engagements with the government and related stakeholders, capacity-building initiatives, and expert-driven dialogues. Through platforms like this workshop, USABC continues to champion public-private partnerships that accelerate digital transformation, foster regulatory alignment, and promote inclusive growth for the digital economy within the ASEAN region.
The workshop was supported by Amazon, Google, Mastercard, SAP, and Salesforce.