By: Tari Nurhaliza )*
The world is facing a new chapter in the dynamics of international trade. Donald Trump, who has re-emerged on the US political stage, is echoing a reciprocal tariff policy that has the potential to impact many trading partner countries, including Indonesia. However, amidst this uncertainty, Indonesia has shown a calm, rational, and mature attitude. Instead of fighting back emotionally, Indonesia has chosen the path of dialogue and cooperation as a reflection of the character of a mature nation that upholds unity.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the government remains focused on diplomacy and negotiation as the main foundation for responding to the pressure. This choice is not only about economic policy, but also a form of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining healthy and balanced long-term relations. Avoiding unnecessary friction actually opens up opportunities to strengthen national economic stability as a whole.
Not without preparation, Indonesia’s response was carried out with coordinated work across ministries and institutions. Airlangga emphasized the importance of business actors’ voices in the preparation of national strategies. This is where the spirit of mutual cooperation emerged in the form of policies: the government and the business world sat together to ensure that the steps taken truly answered real needs, especially for labor-intensive sectors that absorb a lot of workers.
As part of transparency and openness, socialization forums are being prepared so that export industry players can express their views. Airlangga ensures that all processes run according to the set deadlines, so that Indonesia’s response is not only on target but also timely. This inclusive approach strengthens the sense of ownership of all stakeholders towards the direction of national policy.
Moreover, the government also sees opportunities behind the challenges. According to Airlangga, expanding the export market to the European region and new partner countries is part of a grand strategy to build Indonesia’s position in the global arena. Indonesia not only survives, but also grows wider and stronger through wise and measured diversification.
On the other hand, Deputy for Dissemination and Information Media of the Presidential Communications Office, Noudhy Valdryno, said that Indonesia will not be carried away by the current of geopolitical polarization. The principle of non-alignment and active diplomacy remain the mainstay. Through international forums, both bilateral and multilateral, Indonesia continues to bring the spirit of dialogue that unites, not divides.
According to Noudhy, global pressure like this actually encourages renewal from within. Structural reform is accelerated, the use of local products is increased, and the domestic market is strengthened. In every challenge there is always an opportunity to improve, and Indonesia has proven that it is able to turn pressure into a trigger for a more resilient economic transformation.
No less important is the cooperation between the government, business world, and society. National unity is not only born from the spirit of nationalism, but also from real work that supports and strengthens each other. This is what makes Indonesia remain strong as an anchor of stability in the region, even though the world is facing uncertainty.
Academic from the University of Indonesia Dr. Diding S. Anwar sees Indonesia’s move as proof of diplomatic maturity. Not many countries are able to restrain themselves in a situation like this. The decision not to be confrontational actually shows Indonesia’s identity as a country that is big in thinking and wise in acting.
Furthermore, Diding assessed the export diversification step to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as a smart maneuver that expands Indonesia’s reach in the global trade world. This strategy shows that Indonesia does not only rely on one direction, but opens many new doors to grow with diverse trading partners.
According to him, the attitude of self-restraint in the face of international economic provocation is a manifestation of a consistent and sustainable development direction. Behind it is a big vision: building a country with stability, dignity, and strong competitiveness.
Meanwhile, from the monetary side, Head of Bank Indonesia’s Communication Department, Ramdan Denny Prakoso, emphasized that Bank Indonesia continues to be alert in maintaining the stability of the rupiah and national financial conditions. When the global market is volatile, a quick and measured response through triple intervention steps is a form of real commitment to macroeconomic stability.
Ramdan explained that financial system stability remains a top priority. When economic fundamentals are well maintained, public and business confidence is maintained. This creates a positive investment and growth climate, even amidst global pressure.
In closing, Ramdan emphasized that all monetary policies taken are in line with the direction of government policy. Harmony between fiscal and monetary is Indonesia’s main strength in responding to the dynamics of world trade. In the future, this solid coordination will continue to be the foundation in maintaining the sustainability of national development.
In many ways, global challenges are actually a moment to strengthen the foundation. Indonesia’s response to the United States’ tariff policy is a reflection of unity, steadfastness, and policy direction based on national values. In the midst of the turmoil, Indonesia did not waver. Instead, it became more confident in moving forward, in the spirit of one nation, one homeland, and one common goal within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Strategic Issues Practitioner
