Commitment to National Unity Strong Capital to Face Economic Weakening Due to Trump’s Policies
By: Alex Fathoni *)
The recent economic policy launched by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has once again shaken the stability of global trade, with Indonesia being one of those affected. With a tariff of 32 percent on a number of export products from Indonesia, America is trying to emphasize its economic agenda through the “Liberation Day” program. However, Indonesia did not fall into panic or impulsive reactions. Instead, the government demonstrated strategic maturity by prioritizing diplomacy, regional cooperation, and most importantly: commitment to national unity.
The government’s approach from the start shows that Indonesia views this challenge as an opportunity to strengthen its national economic identity. Rather than responding to unilateral policies with confrontational measures, the government has chosen the path of negotiation. The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs emphasized that Indonesia’s strategy is to formulate solutions that benefit both parties. This choice clearly reflects maturity in maintaining long-term economic stability and demonstrates the attitude of a sovereign nation based on national interests.
On the other hand, the commitment to maintaining export sustainability has not been abandoned. The government has prepared tactical steps to support sectors that are vulnerable to the impact of tariffs. The assistance designed is not only short-term, but also aimed at encouraging diversification of export markets, especially to regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia. Thus, Indonesia does not place all its hopes on one market, but begins to build a more resilient and diverse export ecosystem.
President Prabowo Subianto also underlined the rational approach taken by the government. In a statement during the harvest season in Majalengka, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia is not afraid to face this challenge. The President’s firm stance that Indonesia will remain calm and choose the path of diplomacy strengthens public confidence that the country will not be swayed by external pressure. Moreover, the president emphasized the importance of fair and equal relations in international trade. A view that not only reflects nationalism, but also an awareness of the importance of maintaining the nation’s honor in the global arena.
Indonesia’s strength in facing this pressure is actually rooted in the national unity that has been built solidly. All elements of society, from the government to civilians, understand that challenges like this can only be faced with solidarity. The national sentiment that has emerged in the public space shows how the people support the government’s diplomatic approach. On social media, many statements have emerged emphasizing that the government’s steps are a form of wisdom in maintaining long-term interests, not a form of weakness.
Solidarity does not only emerge domestically, but also extends to the regional area. Indonesia’s push for ASEAN to take a joint stance in responding to this tariff policy has found an echo in neighboring countries. This step shows that Indonesia is not acting alone. Support from Malaysia and a number of ASEAN countries shows that the collective strength of the region is able to be a balancer in the world trade map. The strategy of building a compact regional economic bloc is one of the pillars in facing global policy imbalances.
While other major countries such as China and the European Union are preparing to launch retaliatory measures, Indonesia is taking a more market-calming approach. The decision to avoid a trade war reflects a determination to maintain a stable domestic investment climate. Efforts to increase the competitiveness of local products are also being encouraged, both through improving production quality, logistics efficiency, and incentives for small and medium industry players.
Indonesia’s steps in dealing with Trump’s tariffs cannot be separated from careful calculations of the national economic conditions. With a trade surplus against the United States reaching 16.8 billion US dollars in 2024, Indonesia’s position cannot be underestimated. This figure is real evidence that Indonesia has succeeded in creating a solid export foundation that is oriented towards comparative advantage.
The plan to send a high-level delegation to Washington is also part of an active diplomacy strategy that prioritizes dialogue and cooperation. Indonesia does not come as a party asking for leniency, but as a trading partner offering balance and mutual respect. This step is not only diplomatic, but also a symbol of the nation’s confidence in negotiating on the global stage.
Commitment to unity is the common thread that ties together all of Indonesia’s policy responses to the new tariffs. Amidst the turmoil that has gripped international markets, Indonesia has chosen a wise and dignified path. The government has not allowed populist sentiment or short-term political pressure to interfere with national economic interests. Instead, through inter-agency coordination, cross-sector cooperation, and public support, the country has shown that global challenges can be met without confrontation.
By relying on internal strength and regional solidarity, Indonesia has taught the world an important lesson that foreign and economic policies do not have to be aggressive to demonstrate strength. It is in calm, wisdom, and unity that a nation’s true strength lies. And in the face of Trump’s tariffs, Indonesia has chosen to stand tall—not with anger, but with dignity and calculation.
*) Economic Policy Observer
