A Series Of Developments In Indonesia's Negotiations With The US

The tariff negotiation process between the Indonesian government and the United States (US) government is still ongoing. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that Indonesia's approach efforts were appreciated by the US government. "Both parties agreed to a more intensive process at the technical level," said Airlangga in an online press conference in Washington DC, Friday, April 25, 2025. Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati also attended the press conference. Indonesia itself is one of 20 countries that have started the initial negotiation process. 

The following are points of development in the negotiations between Indonesia and the US: 

Forming a Working Group 

Airlangga said that the two teams had formed a working group to accelerate the discussion of the negotiations. In addition, Indonesia has also signed a confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the US Trade Representative Office or USTR. "As a follow-up, the Indonesian government will conduct an approach and internal consultation with stakeholders in the country and will also communicate with the American side to continue the negotiation process at the technical level," said Airlangga. 

Claimed to Provide Five Benefits 

Airlangga claims that Indonesia's offer to the US is entirely based on national interests. "(The offer) is designed to maintain a balance of at least five benefits," said the former Golkar Party Chairman. The first is to meet the needs and maintain national energy security. Second, fighting for Indonesia's market access to the United States, especially with a competitive tariff policy for Indonesian export products. Third, deregulation to increase ease of doing business, trade, and investment that will create jobs. 

Fourth, obtaining added value through supply chain cooperation or supply chains for strategic and critical mineral industries. Fifth, access to science and technology in various fields, including health, agriculture, renewable energy. 

Collecting Input from Entrepreneurs 

Airlangga said that in the context of negotiation efforts, the Indonesian government is collecting input from various entrepreneurs and business associations. Among them are the Semiconductor Industry Association, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and the United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO). 

Meanwhile, corporations include Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Google. "All of these stakeholders support Indonesia's efforts to obtain justice," said Airlangga. 

QRIS Response 

In the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers 2025 document, USTR also highlighted the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) and the National Payment Gateway (GPN) which are claimed as one of the trade barriers. Regarding this, Airlangga said that Indonesia is open to foreign operators, including Mastercard or Visa. "For the credit card sector, there are no changes. Then for the gateway sector, they are open to entering the front end or participating (directly)," said Airlangga. He also said that all external parties who want to cooperate have the same opportunity. 

Tag: Airlangga Hartarto Indonesian Government Sri Mulyani Indrawati United States