ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON – The Indonesian Government has moved swiftly in response to the evolving global trade landscape. Led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, a high-level delegation visited the United States to initiate critical economic discussions. The outcome: both countries have agreed to resolve trade tariff issues within the next 60 days.
Under the direct instruction of President Prabowo Subianto, Minister Airlangga spearheaded a cross-ministerial delegation to engage with top-level U.S. policymakers. The mission aims to forge a stronger, fairer, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
The Indonesian delegation is scheduled to meet with four key U.S. officials: The United States Trade Representative (USTR), The Secretary of Commerce, The Secretary of the Treasury and The Secretary of State.
In addition to government representatives, the delegation will also hold meetings with business associations, industry leaders, and strategic institutions in the U.S.
On the first day of the visit, Minister Airlangga met directly with Ambassador Jamieson Greer (USTR) and Howard Lutnick (Secretary of Commerce). The meeting marked a critical step toward aligning both countries’ trade interests.
“Indonesia is among the first countries welcomed by the U.S. to discuss bilateral economic cooperation, a clear indication of our strong standing and strategic importance,” said Minister Airlangga, April 17, 2025.
Indonesia Presents a Win-Win Strategy
The Indonesian Government came prepared—not only with requests but with collaborative solutions. The delegation proposed several strategic initiatives to achieve a fair and balanced trade relationship, including:
– Increasing exports of energy products, agricultural goods, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services
– Enhancing cooperation on critical minerals essential for global energy transition
– Providing incentives and facilitation for bilateral investment
Requesting lower tariffs for key Indonesian exports such as garments, footwear, textiles, furniture, and shrimp, which do not compete with U.S. domestic industries
Indonesia also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in education, digital economy, financial services, and securing resilient supply chains for strategic goods.
The Deal: Strategic Economic Partnership Framework in the Making
In response, the U.S. expressed strong interest and commitment to commence technical negotiations immediately, aiming to finalize the agreement within 60 days. Both countries are exploring the establishment of a Strategic Economic Partnership that will include: Bilateral trade and investment cooperation, Collaboration on critical minerals, Development of resilient and secure supply chains
“These negotiations are expected to take one to three rounds. Our goal is to formalize the agreement within the 60-day timeframe,” Minister Airlangga stated during a virtual press conference from Washington D.C., moderated by the Coordinating Ministry’s Spokesperson, Haryo Limanseto, in Jakarta.
Ongoing Commitment: Building Stakeholder Alliances
Minister Airlangga emphasized the importance of continued engagement with stakeholders across the U.S.—from business communities to trade associations—to strengthen Indonesia’s position and accelerate the negotiation process.
“With active support from all stakeholders, we are optimistic this partnership can be concluded on time. Indonesia stands ready to be a strategic partner to the U.S. in addressing global economic challenges,” Airlangga concluded. (AT Network)
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