OECD Flags Trump Tariff Impact on Indonesia’s Economy

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a podium with American flags in the background, highlighting the Trump tariff impact on Indonesia and global trade.

The Trump tariff impact is raising concerns over Indonesia’s economic outlook. In its latest June 2025 Economic Outlook, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revised Indonesia’s projected growth rate to 4.7% from its earlier 4.9% forecast.

The new projection highlights the country’s growing exposure to global trade instability. Along with the OECD, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Bank Indonesia (BI) have also cut their growth forecasts. These changes reflect persistent uncertainty in global trade and its ripple effects on emerging economies.

 

OECD Revises Down 2025 Indonesia Growth Forecast

The OECD downgraded its 2025 economic growth forecast for Indonesia for the second time this year, citing weakening commodity prices and deepening global trade risks. The projection now stands at 4.7%, down from 4.9% in March 2025. The organization attributed this revision to “moderate growth in exports and consumption,” which has been compounded by a drop in commodity prices and weakening global demand.

This updated forecast falls in line with recent adjustments made by other global institutions. BI, the World Bank, and the IMF have all set their 2025 forecasts for Indonesia at 4.7%, reflecting a consistent shift in economic expectations among key stakeholders.

 

Trump Tariff Impact Could Pressure Trade and Currency

The Trump tariff impact is expected to ripple across global markets, particularly affecting export-dependent economies like Indonesia. The United States has begun outlining plans to reimpose tariffs, raising fears of a broader trade war. For Indonesia, this could reduce demand for key exports and place further pressure on the country’s trade balance.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo as reported by Bisnis.com acknowledged these risks, stating, “The global economic growth is slowing, particularly in China, the United States, and India. There is also a high risk of rising global inflation, which prompts several central banks to maintain high interest rates.”

Higher tariffs and slower global growth could trigger capital outflows from Indonesia. The rupiah, already under pressure, may face additional depreciation. These developments could make it more difficult for Indonesia to maintain economic stability through monetary tools alone.

 

Read More: Indonesia’s “Special Team” to Negotiate Lower US Import Tariffs

 

Export Risks and China Slowdown Worsen Outlook

Alongside trade tensions, Indonesia must also contend with a decelerating Chinese economy. As Indonesia’s largest export destination, any downturn in China translates directly into lower demand for Indonesian commodities such as coal, palm oil, and rubber. This sharp decline in commodity prices further narrows the country’s revenue from international trade.

OECD economists wrote in the report, “Fiscal support is planned to be gradually reduced, while monetary policy is expected to be more accommodative to maintain the momentum of economic growth.”
Combined with tariff risks, the slowdown in China heightens the vulnerability of Indonesia’s economy to global shocks.

 

Fiscal and Monetary Policies Face Growing Challenges

Indonesia’s policy tools face limitations in addressing this economic squeeze. Although Bank Indonesia has room to adjust rates, global inflation and currency volatility limit its flexibility. The central bank projects a 2025 growth range between 4.6% and 5.4%, yet the outlook remains fragile.

The World Bank and IMF have aligned their projections with the OECD at 4.7%. Economists are also urging the government to take more proactive measures. “The government should dare to revise the 2025 State Budget macro assumptions,” said economist Bhima Yudhistira.

He added, “There is no need to insist on maintaining the 5.2% economic growth target. It’s better to revise the macro assumptions to be more realistic.”

 

Economists Say Trump Tariff Impact a Major Concern

The Trump tariff impact is not only a short-term disruption but could have longer-term consequences. According to Chief Economist of Bank Permata Josua Pardede, “The impact of Trump’s re-election is more focused on the potential increase in trade protectionism.” He warned that protectionist policies could affect Indonesia’s exports and limit opportunities to benefit from global supply chain shifts.

Yudhistira echoed this concern, noting, “Indonesia is a country that still relies heavily on exports of raw commodities, so when the global economy weakens, it will automatically reduce demand.”

 

Read More: Indonesia Braces for Trump Tariff Impact on Key Sectors

 

Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Volatility

Global trade volatility and the Trump tariff impact on Indonesia have clouded the country’s near-term economic prospects. As the OECD and other institutions lower growth expectations, Indonesia faces rising external risks that limit its fiscal and monetary responses.

To navigate this environment, policymakers may need to adjust their assumptions and focus on export diversification, fiscal prudence, and targeted stimulus. Otherwise, Indonesia risks falling short of its growth goals in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

 

Source: ekonomi.bisnis.com

Image: Xinhua/Hu Yousong

Latest Article
NIB Registration Surges to 14.6 Million as MSMEs Dominate
Indonesia continues strengthening its business landscape as NIB registration reaches 14.6 million. The...
Australia Boosts Commitments to Expand Investment in Indonesia
Investment in Indonesia is gaining stronger traction as Australia accelerates its efforts to channel...
Tourism in Bali Close to 7 Million Visits by Year-End 2025
Tourism in Bali continues to strengthen as the province heads toward the final quarter of 2025. The Central...
Indonesian Customs Overhaul Ordered Amid Rising Scandals
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa declares a full reform of the Directorate General of Customs and...
Finance Minister Purbaya to Launch Business Complaint Service
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced a key initiative to improve Indonesia’s business...

Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

Terje H. Nilsen

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

Terje’s leadership, drive and knowledge are recognised across many industries and his unrivalled network of high level contacts in government and business spans the globe. He believes you do good and do well but always in that order. Terje speaks English, Indonesian and Norwegian.

Contact Our Consultants

Ridwan Jasin Zachrie

CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

Per Fredrik Ecker

Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.