JAKARTA (Bernama): Indonesia is preparing for high-level talks with US officials later this month to address the new tariff rate imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump on April 2 and to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The meetings, scheduled to take place in Washington DC from April 16 to 23, come at a pivotal time for both countries, as the country looks to resolve the ongoing tariff dispute and deepen its economic relations with the US.
The Indonesian delegation, which will include senior ministers and Financial Services Authority (OJK) chairman Mahendra Siregar, is set to present a comprehensive position on tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and broader cooperation in trade and finance.
"We will address all the issues, and we have prepared a detailed non-paper that includes plans to compensate for the export-import gap, estimated to be between US$18 billion and US$19 billion,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in a press conference here.
With a 32 per cent tariff on certain goods still hanging over Indonesia’s exports, he stressed the significance of the upcoming talks, explaining that the country aims to attract American investment while also encouraging Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in the US.
"On a technical level, the commodities have been prepared. Ultimately, everything will depend on the outcome of the discussions,” he added.
The delegation, appointed by President Prabowo Subianto, will meet with key US officials, including the US Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of State.
Airlangga confirmed that Foreign Minister Sugiono will depart for Washington DC on Monday. He will be accompanied by others, including Vice Chair of the National Economic Council Mari Elka Pangestu, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono, and Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who will be attending the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, will also join the talks as part of the delegation.
The talks are crucial in shaping the future of Indonesia-US trade relations, particularly with Indonesia being one of the first countries invited to Washington for discussions since the tariff issue began, Airlangga added. - Bernama
