A press release published on the website of the President of The Republic of Indonesia has announced that President Prabowo Subianto expressed his appreciation for the intensive efforts that have been made to strengthen economic and trade relations between Indonesia and the United States. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that during his visit to the United States, he and his delegation had held strategic meetings with high-ranking US officials and had achieved a number of important advances.
“In the negotiations, we have met with the US Trade Representative, Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, Secretary of Treasury Bessent, met with the Director of the National Economic Council, and also with several other countries,” said Airlangga in his press statement at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (28/4/25.)
Airlangga said that President Prabowo welcomed the award given by the United States Government to the comprehensive proposal submitted by Indonesia. The proposal not only covers aspects of trade tariffs, but also non-tariffs and concrete steps taken by Indonesia to balance the trade balance fairly and equally (fair and square).
“So, the trade balance is around 19, we give more than 19.5. Direct buying and selling is 19.5, but we also have projects that we will buy from America,” he added.
Airlangga also conveyed regarding Indorama’s plan to invest USD 2 billion in Louisiana for Blue Ammonia. In addition, critical minerals were also discussed with the United States.
Airlangga emphasized Indonesia’s request for equal reciprocal tariff treatment of Indonesia’s main commodities in the United States market. This is done so that Indonesia has an equal and level playing field with other countries.
“Whether it is Vietnam, whether it is Bangladesh, so that we and others can have an equal level playing field,” said Airlangga.
In order to ensure the acceleration of the implementation of the negotiation results, President Prabowo has approved the formation of three special task forces (Satgas). The first task force that has been approved by President Prabowo for the follow-up of investment negotiations is the Task Force for Trade, Investment and Economic Security Negotiations.
“The second Task Force is related to expanding job opportunities and mitigating layoffs. And the third Task Force is regarding policy deregulation. Of course, the others are related to the Task Force for improving the investment climate and accelerating business licensing,” he added.
The Indonesian government has also signed a non-disclosure agreement. This means that what is being discussed by the Indonesian government and the United States government is only for both parties.
President Prabowo also emphasized that all of Indonesia’s approaches and offers in these negotiations are aimed at finding a win-win solution for both countries, without differentiating one partner country from another. “So, it means that what we offer is relatively what we are doing domestically. Especially one of them is to carry out deregulation,” said Airlangga.
Source: The President of The Republic of Indonesia website, BPMI Presidential Secretariat
Photo: BPMI Setpres/Kris
