President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated the Indonesian government’s thorough consideration before engaging in negotiations with the United States to reduce import tariffs from 32% to 19%. He stressed that the main focus throughout the discussions was to protect the interests of the Indonesian people, especially the workers. “We have conducted extensive evaluations and negotiations. The well-being of my people is my top priority. I must ensure the protection of our workers,” Prabowo said during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Despite the challenges faced, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia maintained a strong stance during the negotiations. “We have taken a firm position. This is our offer, and we can’t go beyond that. What matters the most is the protection of our workers,” he reiterated.
The president also highlighted the resilience and robustness of Indonesia’s economy, stating that it is well-prepared to withstand global uncertainties, including trade tensions. “I am very optimistic about our economy. We are in a solid position, and we will remain steadfast regardless of the circumstances,” he expressed.
Reflecting on the tariff negotiations with the U.S., Prabowo described the talks as challenging yet fruitful. Both sides were able to reach a mutual understanding after recognizing each other’s strategic interests. “We have acknowledged their priorities, and they have acknowledged ours. This mutual understanding led to an agreement,” he explained.
“The tariff reduction from 32% to 19% has been achieved through negotiations. I continuously negotiated and engaged with President Trump, who is known to be a tough negotiator,” Prabowo added.
Previously, President Trump announced a trade agreement with Indonesia, confirming that tariffs on Indonesian goods would be decreased to 19%. This agreement signifies a positive step towards promoting economic cooperation between the two countries.
