Supporting the Government’s Swift Action in Responding to Trump’s Tariff Dynamics through Negotiations
JAKARTA — Various stakeholders have expressed full support for the Indonesian government’s swift and strategic response to the developments arising from US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
The Indonesian government moved quickly to address the tariff measures by choosing the path of negotiation rather than retaliation.
Indonesia’s trade negotiation team, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, has initiated a series of intensive meetings with senior US officials since mid-April 2025.
Airlangga emphasized that Indonesia’s approach is firmly rooted in a strategy aimed at protecting national interests.
“Indonesia’s proposal to the United States to establish fair and square trade cooperation is fully aligned with our national interests,” he stated during an online press conference.
The Coordinating Minister outlined five main benefits from Indonesia’s ongoing negotiations with the US: safeguarding energy security, expanding export market access, improving the ease of doing business, strengthening strategic industrial supply chains, and enhancing access to technology and knowledge in key sectors.
Thanks to the government’s strategic actions, Indonesian business actors have voiced strong support.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, expressed appreciation for the government’s prompt response.
“We respect that this process falls under the domain of government-to-government (G2G) agreements, and we fully entrust the Indonesian government as the nation’s representative in these negotiations,” she said.
APINDO has provided substantial input, including recommendations to increase imports of selected US commodities that do not harm domestic industries, streamline non-tariff barriers, and strengthen trade remedy measures.
Shinta also highlighted the importance of establishing a Deregulation Task Force and sees this negotiation momentum as a strategic opportunity to expand bilateral partnerships in critical minerals, technology, and education.
Support for Indonesia’s efforts has also come from US officials.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Indonesia’s swift action in responding to the tariff dynamics.
“I am impressed by the letter sent by Minister Airlangga to me, and I believe it marks a very good starting point,” he stated.
He also noted that bilateral discussions with Indonesia were among the earliest and most progressive compared to other US partner countries.
The government will continue domestic consultations to further strengthen Indonesia’s negotiation position going forward.
