Jakarta, April 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met on Sunday in Putrajaya to discuss the implications of the newly imposed import tariffs by the United States on Southeast Asian countries. The meeting took place during the festive period of Eid al-Fitr at the official residence of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Seri Perdana.
In a statement shared on social media, Prime Minister Anwar described the meeting with President Prabowo—whom he referred to as an “old friend”—as having occurred “under the atmosphere of blessed Eid al-Fitr.” The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and engaged in discussions over a banquet at the premier’s residence.
“We discussed important regional issues, including the effects of the new tariffs imposed by the United States on ASEAN countries, apart from our collective actions in providing humanitarian aid for the people in Myanmar who suffered from the recent earthquake,” Anwar noted.
While neither leader disclosed the detailed outcome of their talks on the tariff issue, the meeting underscored growing regional concern following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 of sweeping import duties targeting foreign goods. The base 10-percent tariff took effect on April 5, while additional reciprocal tariffs will be implemented starting Wednesday, April 9.
Indonesia will be subjected to a 32 percent tariff, and Malaysia to 24 percent. Other ASEAN members also face steep tariffs: Cambodia (49 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), and Thailand (36 percent). The measures have raised alarms among Southeast Asian economies over potential disruptions to trade and investment flows.
Despite the economic challenges posed by the tariffs, Anwar emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and Indonesia. “Let the spirit of Eid al-Fitr strengthen the brotherhood and cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia in the name of regional security and prosperity,” he said.
Photographs released by the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office depicted President Prabowo, clad in a brown batik shirt and traditional kopiah, being warmly received by Anwar at the front porch of Seri Perdana. The two leaders were later seen in close discussion during the banquet, and concluded the visit with a cordial embrace.
President Prabowo was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Personal Secretary Rizky Irmansyah during his visit.
The meeting marks one of President Prabowo’s first bilateral engagements during Eid al-Fitr and highlights the shared resolve of Indonesia and Malaysia to navigate regional challenges collaboratively.
