President Prabowo Affirms Indonesia’s Commitment to Fair Trade Amid U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Measures

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed Indonesia’s intention to respond to the recently announced reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States by dispatching envoys to pursue equal and fair negotiations.

“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 stated on Monday.

His remarks come in the wake of a policy announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, which imposes at least a 10 percent tariff increase on imports from several countries, including Indonesia. The move, according to the U.S. administration, is aimed at fostering domestic industrial growth and job creation. Indonesia currently ranks eighth among targeted countries, with an export value accounting for 32 percent of the affected trade volume.

President Prabowo acknowledged the U.S. decision as a strategic move to prioritize its national interests. However, he emphasized that Indonesia would equally prioritize safeguarding the interests of its people in all diplomatic efforts.

“Just as the U.S. prioritizes the interests of their people, we will also think about our people. There is no need to be worried. We believe in our own strength,” he said.

The head of state stressed that Indonesia’s approach in the forthcoming negotiations would be based on principles of mutual respect and fairness. Should a balanced agreement be reached and sound reasoning presented for the tariffs, Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia would respect the outcome.

He also reiterated his confidence in Indonesia’s resilience and long-term prospects, encouraging unity and courage in confronting global economic and geopolitical shifts.

“Even if there are challenges, we will face them, bravely. There may be a few times when we fall, but we will face them by rising well,” he concluded.

The U.S. policy will reportedly affect goods from approximately 60 countries, with tariffs matching half the duties those countries impose on American products. President Trump has defended the measure as a correction to what he called unfair trade practices that have long disadvantaged the U.S. economy.