Fadli Zon Reveals Three Strategies President Prabowo Responds To Donald Trump's Import Tariff

JAKARTA The Trump Import Tariff announced by the President of the United States on April 2, 2025 yesterday was seen as a challenge by the Indonesian government. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed full support for President Prabowo Subianto's strategy in responding to the policy.

According to Fadli, President Prabowo's move to strengthen the direction of economic sovereignty and demonstrate Indonesia's firmness in facing global pressure.

"This is not just a reaction, but a long-term strategy to build economic independence. Indonesia must have the courage to stand tall amid global uncertainty," said Fadli Zon, alumnus of the London School of Economics in a statement received by VOI in Jakarta on Saturday, April 5.

Fadli said there were three main strategies carried out by President Prabowo to answer the challenges of US protectionist policies.

First, expanding strategic trade partnerships. Fadli assessed that the diversification of trading partners is now a must. Indonesia strengthens relations with BRICS, ASEAN, and countries in the southern region of the global region. This step reduces dependence on traditional markets such as the United States.

Indonesia has also joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and is encouraging access to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Other agreements such as CP-TPP, IEU-CEPA, and I-EAEU CEPA continue to be accelerated.

As the former chairman of the House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency, Fadli Zon actively encourages various trade agreements, including the IEU-CEPA which he calls a strategic bridge between two large areas.

Second, downstreaming natural resources. Fadli supports the establishment of the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI) as the manager of downstream projects, including the mineral, oil and gas, plantation, and marine sectors. According to him, Indonesia should no longer export raw materials.

"We need added value, jobs, and sustainable growth. Downstreaming is a way to achieve all of that," he said. He emphasized that trading partners must understand the strategic and social aspects of Indonesia's downstream policy.

Third, increasing people's purchasing power. The Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) targeting 82 million beneficiaries is clear evidence. Fadli said MBG not only nourishes the people, but also drives the local economy and reduces dependence on food imports.

"The government is also designing the establishment of 80,000 Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) to strengthen the village economy and open up millions of jobs. A strong economy was born from a prosperous village," he said.

Regarding Trump's Import Tariff, Fadli views the policy as a form of unilateralism that is detrimental to developing countries. However, he is optimistic that Indonesia will be able to turn challenges into opportunities with the right strategy.

Trump's tariff is tough, but this is a moment for us to rearrange national economic orientation. It's time to strengthen the domestic market and encourage economic independence," said Fadli.

Menbud Fadli also emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in dealing with global dynamics. Indonesia, said Fadli, will continue to be active in establishing fair partnerships in various international forums.

As part of the Red and White Cabinet, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that all ministries are ready to implement cross-sectoral strategies, including through cultural diplomacy, economic cooperation, and sustainable international promotions.