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Energy And Mineral Resources Minister Says Indonesia Ready To Import Oil And Gas From The US If Trump Lowers Tariffs

The Indonesian government is open to importing oil and natural gas (oil and gas) from the United States as part of negotiations over US President Donald Trump's 32% tariff policy for Indonesia. However, this plan is contingent on a reduction in import tariffs, which currently remain at 32%. 

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that his ministry has allocated between US$10 billion and US$15 billion for oil and gas purchases from the United States. 

"Yesterday, I didn't know the latest developments, because the Coordinating Minister will be speaking about that as Head of the Delegation. But we at ESDM have allocated around US$15 billion, around US$10 billion to US$15 billion for purchases in the United States. If the tariffs are also lowered, if not, then there's no deal," Bahlil said at the Indonesian House of Representatives Complex on Monday (July 14). 

"[If it remains at 32%], we'll see," he added. 

According to Bahlil, the final decision regarding the tariff policy will be made by the government's negotiating team, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. 

Previously, Airlangga stated that the implementation of the 32% import tariff announced by United States President Donald Trump on July 7, 2025, was being postponed. The tariff was originally scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025, for several countries, including Indonesia. 

Arlangga stated that this postponement was the result of negotiations his team conducted some time ago after meeting with US government representatives in Washington, D.C. 

"We call the timing (of the 32% tariff) a pause. So, the postponement is to complete existing negotiations," he said in an online statement on Sunday (July 12). 

Airlangga stated that the meeting in America with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had begun to yield results. 

Although negotiations are still ongoing, Airlangga stated that Indonesia's proposals at the meeting have been accepted and will be followed up. 

"So, these three weeks are expected to finalize and fine-tune the proposals and fine-tune what has been exchanged," Airlangga explained. 

Previously, Airlangga led an Indonesian delegation to the United States to negotiate the implementation of a 32% import tariff. This effort was taken by Indonesia following US President Donald Trump's announcement on July 7, 2025, regarding the imposition of a 32% import tariff, effective August 1, for several countries. 

In a letter addressed to President Prabowo Subianto, Trump explained the reason for the imbalance in trade relations. He stated that the US and Indonesia are truly trading partners. 

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Tag: Bahlil Lahadalia Energy And Mineral ESDM