Trump's 32 Percent Tariff Makes Him Troubled, Golkar Legislators Suggest To Prabowo Add Oil And Gas Imports From The US

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VI DPR RI Muhammad Sarmuji suggested that the Indonesian government increase imports from the United States to renegotiate the import rate of 32 percent applied to products from Indonesia.

Sarmuji said that one of the commodities that can be increased in purchases is oil and gas, so that the United States can see Indonesia's efforts to balance the trade balance between the two countries.

"If the problem is that one product from America can be found that can be imported into Indonesia which contributes to the balance of the trade balance. America should not have given an import rate of 32 percent to Indonesia," said Sarmuji in Denpasar, Bali, Antara, Sunday, July 13.

He said that currently there are many commodities from America that can be purchased by Indonesia, especially oil and gas, which have been mostly imported from other countries.

In addition to oil and gas, he also assessed that technology and machinery could be a strategic import commodity. In fact, according to him, it is even better if industrial raw materials are purchased from America so that they can be processed domestically and become export products.

"I don't know the exact data, but if we import it like oil and gas, it feels enough to balance the trade balance between Indonesia and America. Later the President or the government must see what goods are needed so that we can import from America," he said.

The Golkar Party politician assessed that Indonesia's response to high tariffs from the United States should not be carried out with a retaliatory policy in the form of a similar tariff. On the other hand, he emphasized the importance of taking an approach that balances trade.

In fact, continued Sarmuji, the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump could be an option if needed in the further diplomatic process.

He added that although the value of Indonesia's exports to America is not too large in the context of total trade, the impact on domestic business actors will be felt if the high tariff is still enforced.

We must protect domestic exporters too. If the price becomes more expensive than other countries because of Trump's tariff factors, of course, the goods will not be competitive anymore. It's a pity for our exporters, including the workers who are involved in the world," said Sarmuji.

Previously, US President Donald Trump stated that the import rate of 32 percent of Indonesian products would take effect on August 1, 2025. The policy was contained in an official letter from the White House sent to President Prabowo Subianto.