ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are beginning to consolidate efforts in response to the reciprocal tariff policies introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. This initiative was spearheaded by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in collaboration with the leaders of four ASEAN countries.
“President Prabowo held a teleconference and exchanged views with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,” stated a press release from President Prabowo’s Media Team in Jakarta, on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
In a separate statement, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared the content of the discussions on his personal social media account. He mentioned that he, along with President Prabowo, President Marcos, and Prime Minister Wong, exchanged perspectives on Trump’s tariff policy and coordinated a collective response.
“Today, I had the opportunity to engage in a phone discussion with ASEAN leaders from Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore to gather views and coordinate a joint response regarding the reciprocal tariff measures imposed by the United States,” PM Anwar stated on his official social media account from Jakarta on Saturday.
Prime Minister Anwar also mentioned that ASEAN’s economic ministers will meet next week to further discuss their joint response to the Trump tariffs.
“God willing, the ASEAN economic ministers will continue their discussions on this matter next week and seek the best solution for all member states,” he added.
On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reciprocal tariff policy affecting several countries, including Indonesia, which took effect three days later. This policy will be implemented gradually, starting with a general 10% tariff on all countries, effective from April 5, 2025, followed by country-specific tariffs, including one for Indonesia, which will be enforced on April 9, 2025.
Under this new policy, Indonesia faces a 32% tariff, while the Philippines will have a 17% tariff, Singapore 10%, Malaysia 24%, Cambodia 49%, Thailand 36%, and Vietnam 46%.
Prabowo-Macron Agree to Strengthen Strong Economic Cooperation
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to maintain strong economic and trade cooperation, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariff policy affecting Indonesia and the European Union.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening these relations during a phone call on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2025, just two days after Trump’s announcement of his new import tariff policy.
In a statement on his official social media account, President Prabowo noted that the strategic partnership between Indonesia and France not only reflects the national interests of both countries but also contributes to the stability and prosperity of the region and the world.
“In our discussion with President Macron, we agreed to continue pushing for inclusive and sustainable economic development for the welfare of our people,” President Prabowo stated.
President Prabowo also welcomed France’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries with a long-term, visionary outlook.
“Let us strengthen synergies and build a future for mutual progress,” he added.
In a separate post, President Macron revealed the contents of his conversation with President Prabowo on his official social media account. He shared that they had agreed to strengthen relations with ambitious, forward-looking projects, with a historic approach set to be realized during his state visit to Indonesia at the end of May.
“We have decided to strengthen our relationship through ambitious and forward-looking projects. This historic approach will materialize during my state visit to Indonesia at the end of May,” said President Macron.
Macron continued, noting that he and President Prabowo agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, economics, science, and culture, while expanding cooperation in the field of education. He also highlighted several key areas of cooperation between France, the European Union, and Indonesia, such as creating resilient value chains, especially in critical metals, and supporting the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
During the same conversation, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace in the Middle East and ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“We will cooperate in preparations for the Gaza conference to be held in June,” President Macron said.
“The future is built through strong partnerships, open trade, and a shared vision,” President Macron concluded. (AT Network)
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