JAKARTA:  , Indonesia will not retaliate against US President Donald Trump’s 32 per cent trade tariff on Southeast Asia’s largest economy, its senior economic minister said on Sunday ( Apr 6 ) in the government’s first response to the levy.
Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said in a speech that Indonesia did follow politics and discussions to find mutually beneficial options after Trump announced sweeping world tariffs on Wednesday.
” The approach was taken by considering the long-term interest of bilateral trade relationship, as well as to maintain the investment environment and regional economic stability”, Airlangga said, adding that Jakarta may support possibly effected industries, such as the apparel and footwear industry.
Trump’s tax on Indonesia, one of six hard-hit South Asian nations, is set to take effect on Wednesday.
The Indonesian authorities did gather inputs from companies on Monday to help develop strategy to address the US price, and may find ways to increase business with European countries as an alternative to the US and China, Airlangga said.
Jakarta has said it would send a high-level delegation to the US for direct negotiations with the government.
Indonesia posted a US$ 16.8 billion trade surplus last year with the US, which was its third-biggest export destination, receiving shipments worth US$ 26.3 billion in 2024, according to Indonesian government data.
Indonesia’s main exports to the US include electronics, apparel and clothing, and footwear.