JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia is pursuing a fair and balanced trade agreement with the United States as reciprocal tariff negotiations continue to gain momentum. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced the progress during a virtual press conference on Friday, emphasizing Indonesia’s commitment to building a stronger and more equitable trade relationship.

Indonesia has taken an active role in discussions with high-ranking US trade officials, including representatives from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) office and the Secretary of Commerce. Hartarto also noted that further meetings are planned with the US Secretary of the Treasury as part of efforts to deepen engagement and secure concrete outcomes.

“Indonesia is one of the first countries to be accepted into these discussions,” Hartarto stated. “Our objective is to establish a mutually beneficial framework that supports fair trade practices while fostering long-term economic ties with the United States.”

To that end, Indonesia has put forward a series of proposals aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations. These include boosting imports from the US—particularly in energy and agriculture, such as crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), wheat, and soybeans—alongside offering incentives to US companies operating in Indonesia. The government also proposed collaboration in the critical minerals sector and streamlined import procedures for US goods.

Hartarto highlighted the importance of ensuring competitive access for Indonesian products in the US market. He called for reduced tariffs on key export commodities like textiles, footwear, furniture, and shrimp, arguing that such adjustments would help maintain Indonesia’s export competitiveness without harming US industries.

Both nations have agreed to a 60-day timeframe to finalize the ongoing negotiations. Talks are expected to progress over one to three rounds, with Hartarto expressing optimism that a formal agreement can be reached within the set deadline. This accelerated timeline reflects a shared commitment to expediting trade cooperation.

In addition to tariff discussions, Indonesia is advocating for deeper cooperation in sectors beyond trade. Areas of focus include education, science and technology, digital economy, and financial services—all seen as essential pillars of a more comprehensive bilateral economic partnership.

The Indonesian delegation continues to engage US business leaders and industry associations to gain broader support for its trade agenda. These efforts, Hartarto noted, aim to not only unlock trade opportunities but also pave the way for sustainable investment and innovation between the two countries. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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