Airlangga: Indonesia's Proposal Is Positively Welcomed By The US Government

JAKARTA The Indonesian government continues the trade negotiations process with the United States (US), particularly regarding the reciprocal tariff policy imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said that the US government appreciates Indonesia's quick and proactive response to the policy.

"Overall, the US government appreciates the strategy and approach, as well as proposals proposed by Indonesia and both parties to approve a more intensive process at the technical level, even technically five special sectors have been prepared for a kind of working group so that there is an acceleration in discussion," he said in a virtual press conference, Friday, April 25.

He also revealed that Indonesia has signed a confidentiality agreement (non-disclosure agreement) with the US Trade Representative Office (USTR), which is an indicator of Indonesia's entry in the early stages of negotiations with 20 other countries.

"We have entered the negotiation phase and Indonesia is one of 20 countries that have started the initial negotiation process," he explained.

As a further step, Airlangga said that the Indonesian government would hold consultations with domestic stakeholders and continue to establish active communication with the US to strengthen technical discussions.

Positive responses come not only from USTR, but also from the US Department of Commerce and the US Treasury, which opens up space for dialogue and welcomes discussion in detail. This is an important momentum to encourage structural reforms that are being carried out by Indonesia in order to increase trade and investment," he said.

On the same occasion, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati added that the proposal submitted by Indonesia was considered very comprehensive and detailed so as to provide a strong position for Indonesia in the negotiation process.

"Indonesia received appreciation for the response to dialogue and to negotiate. Second, what is appreciated is Indonesia's proposal, including the most complete and detailed proposals that illustrate a mutually beneficial cooperation," he added.

He emphasized that this negotiation is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives, to support reforms and deregulations that are not only beneficial to Indonesia bilaterally but also contribute to facing global economic challenges.

"This positivefeedback will certainly be used as a provision for us to continue to conduct discussions at the technical level, with of course it is hoped that there will be benefits for the Indonesian economy as well as for the regional and world economy," he said.