Jakarta – The government continues to take strategic steps to maintain national export competitiveness following indications of protectionist policies that have been echoed again by the President of the United States (US), Donald Trump.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that Indonesia chose the negotiation path because the US remains a strategic partner. President Prabowo Subianto also fully supports this step, while building a strong national economic strength and maintaining Indonesia’s export competitiveness.
“The negotiation path will continue to be taken because the US remains Indonesia’s strategic partner in global trade. Meanwhile, we fully support this step, while emphasizing that a strong national economic strength and export competitiveness must continue to be maintained,” he said.
The government also continues to expand export markets to the South Asia, Africa, and Middle East regions, in order to reduce dependence on traditional markets such as the US and Europe. Industrial downstream programs and fiscal incentives also continue to be boosted for exporters who prioritize the added value of local products.
These steps are considered important to ensure that Indonesian products remain competitive in terms of price and quality in the global market, despite facing tariff pressures.
Founder & Chairman of CT Corp, Chairul Tanjung, views Trump’s policies as being able to trigger a domino effect for developing countries. Therefore, Indonesia does not need to take a confrontational stance, but rather choose a constructive negotiation path.
“The US remains a strategic partner of Indonesia, and the best solution can be achieved through open economic communication,” he said.
In the future, synergy between the government, business actors, and exporter associations is key to maintaining national export momentum. Trump’s policies can be a serious test, but also an opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen economic fundamentals and accelerate national industrial transformation.
Deputy Chair of the National Economic Council (DEN), Mari Elka Pangestu revealed that in the medium-term, the government is also strengthening its bargaining position in multilateral forums such as ASEAN and the G20 to suppress the dominance of unilateral policies of large countries.
“As a medium-term effort, the government is strengthening Indonesia’s bargaining position in multilateral forums such as ASEAN and the G20. This step is important to suppress the dominance of unilateral policies from large countries that can harm global trade stability,” he said.
With an active trade diplomacy approach and data-based strategic policies, Indonesia hopes to maintain positive export growth amidst global uncertainty.
The government emphasized that synergy between the public and private sectors is the key to Indonesia not only surviving, but being able to excel in the ever-changing global trade landscape.