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Indonesia Contacts Malaysia To Determine ASEAN Countries' Stance On Trump Tariffs

The Indonesian government is making various efforts related to the new United States (US) tariff policy announced by US President Donald Trump. Indonesia has also communicated with Malaysia as the ASEAN chairman to determine the follow-up steps to Trump's policy. 

"Indonesia has communicated with Malaysia as the ASEAN chairman to take joint steps considering that all 10 ASEAN countries are affected by the imposition of US tariffs," wrote the official statement of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) quoted by detikcom, Friday (4/4/2025). 

Indonesia will also send a delegation to negotiate Trump's 32% tariff on goods from Indonesia entering the US. Indonesia has prepared various steps to address the issues raised by the US Government, especially those conveyed in the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report published by the US Trade Representative. 

"The Indonesian government will continue to communicate with the US Government at various levels, including sending a high-level delegation to Washington DC to negotiate directly with the US Government," he said. 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Red and White Cabinet ministers to make structural improvements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Prabowo wanted to simplify regulations and eliminate regulations that hinder, especially those related to non-tariff barriers. 

"This is also in line with efforts to increase competitiveness, maintain market player trust and attract investment to maintain the momentum of economic growth. Other strategic policy steps will be taken by the Indonesian government to continue to improve the investment climate and increase economic growth and create broad employment opportunities," he explained. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously also said that Trump's 32% tariff on goods from Indonesia had a significant impact on the competitiveness of Indonesian exports to the US. The Indonesian government is currently calculating the imposition of US tariffs on various aspects. 

The government will also take strategic steps to mitigate the negative impact on the Indonesian economy. The government together with Bank Indonesia continues to maintain the stability of the rupiah exchange rate following the US tariffs. The government emphasized that it continues to maintain the stability of the Indonesian economy. 

Previously, Trump imposed a 32% tariff on goods from Indonesia entering the US. The tariff was imposed because Trump said Indonesia imposed a 64% tariff on goods from the US. 

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Tag: ASEAN Donald Trump United States