Prabowo Proposes Strategic Measures to Safeguard Indonesia’s Economy Amid U.S. Tariff Talks
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto has outlined a series of tactical steps aimed at protecting Indonesia’s domestic economy and reinforcing the country’s position in ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya announced on Saturday.
The proposal was delivered during a closed-door cabinet meeting held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday (June 27), shortly after President Prabowo hosted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the official statement, the high-level meeting focused on Indonesia’s strategic response to global economic dynamics, the status of tariff negotiations with the U.S., and efforts to revitalize Southeast Asian regional cooperation.
“One of the key measures to address current economic challenges is deregulating the real sector by revising Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 8 of 2024,” Wijaya said. “The regulation will be streamlined into sector-specific provisions to allow greater flexibility in implementation.”
Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 8 of 2024 currently governs Indonesia’s import policy and regulatory framework for the year.
President Prabowo, Wijaya added, underscored the importance of building a more competitive business environment by simplifying licensing procedures and reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
“The president has instructed ministers to pursue real-sector deregulation that strengthens competitiveness and supports sustainable domestic growth,” he noted.
The cabinet meeting also highlighted positive developments in ongoing tariff negotiations between Indonesia and the United States. Both parties, according to Wijaya, acknowledged the strategic importance of achieving a balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement.
“Both countries have committed to a win-win outcome,” Wijaya stated. “Negotiation teams are in intensive talks to align their respective positions.”
Wijaya further revealed that Indonesia has received strong endorsement from key U.S. economic leaders.
“The government has secured positive support from U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Mr. Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Mr. Jamieson Greer,” he said, noting both officials have welcomed Indonesia’s efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.
The closed-door session was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
