Jakarta, April 19, 2025 — The Europe Today: Indonesia has been selected as one of the first countries to enter into discussions with the United States regarding the 32-percent import tariff imposed on Indonesian products under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced on Friday.
“Indonesia is among the first nations to be accepted for talks,” Hartarto said during a press conference in Washington, D.C., which was also streamed live to reporters in Jakarta.
He noted that the Trump administration has launched similar negotiations with Vietnam, Japan, and Italy, adding that the talks reflect Washington’s increasing openness to reassessing legacy trade barriers.
The minister confirmed that Indonesia has been actively engaging with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to press for a review of the punitive tariffs. These discussions, he said, are part of a broader strategy to achieve a constructive and mutually beneficial resolution within the next 60 days.
Highlighting signs of progress, Hartarto noted the U.S. has shown a willingness to engage in more technical discussions, viewing this as a positive signal in response to Indonesia’s proactive stance.
During the meetings, the Indonesian delegation outlined several key proposals to strengthen bilateral economic relations. These include a commitment to increase imports of liquefied petroleum gas, crude oil, and gasoline from the United States, as well as the procurement of U.S. agricultural commodities such as wheat, soybeans, and soybean meal.
Indonesia also pledged to expand its import of U.S. capital goods, and to create a more welcoming environment for American businesses operating in Indonesia. Hartarto detailed proposed incentives, streamlined permit processes, and enhanced collaboration on key sectors including critical minerals, horticultural commodities, and human resource development.
“We have also persuaded the U.S. with more favorable financial services,” he added, suggesting new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in banking and investment.
The ongoing dialogue comes amid a shifting global trade landscape, as countries re-evaluate protectionist policies and seek to build more resilient, diversified economic partnerships.
If successful, the Indonesia–U.S. negotiations could set a precedent for other nations seeking relief from Trump-era tariffs, while simultaneously reinforcing strategic and economic ties between Washington and Jakarta.
