Indonesia Proposes Talks with Trump as Indonesia Faces Steep Tariffs: FM Sugiono
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that the government had proposed a bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and United States President Donald Trump shortly after the latter’s inauguration in January 2025. The request was made well in advance of the recent U.S. tariff announcement, underscoring Indonesia’s continued commitment to diplomacy and open dialogue.
“We have requested a meeting with President Trump for a while, far before the tariff imposition,” Minister Sugiono told reporters during a press briefing in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday. His remarks came in response to inquiries about the likelihood of a meeting between the two leaders following the imposition of U.S. reciprocal tariffs.
According to the minister, representatives from Indonesia, including Foreign Ministry officials, have been dispatched to Washington, D.C. to discuss the proposed talks and to address the implications of the new U.S. trade measures.
“We have proposed (these talks) even before (the tariff announcement) as we had conveyed it just after Trump’s inauguration,” Sugiono emphasized.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-day reprieve for over 75 countries initially expected to be impacted by reciprocal tariffs exceeding the 10 percent baseline. However, Indonesia was notably excluded from the exemption list and instead faced a steep 32 percent tariff on certain goods.
While suspending reciprocal tariffs for many nations, the U.S. administration simultaneously raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 percent, signaling a hardening stance in global trade policy.
Despite the tariff hike, the Indonesian government has opted for diplomatic engagement over retaliatory actions. President Prabowo Subianto stated earlier this week that Indonesia would respond by dispatching envoys to seek equitable negotiations with the U.S.
“We will open negotiations with the U.S. We will convey our intention to maintain good relations, and we also want fair relations,” President Prabowo remarked on Monday.
Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated that Indonesia is currently awaiting official confirmation from the White House regarding the timing and logistics of the proposed bilateral meeting.
The Indonesian government continues to emphasize the importance of constructive engagement and mutual respect in addressing trade and diplomatic challenges.
