President Prabowo Subianto reiterated the careful consideration taken by the Indonesian government before engaging in negotiations with the United States to reduce import tariffs from 32% to 19%. He highlighted that the main focus during the discussions was to protect the interests of the Indonesian people, particularly the nation’s workers. “We have gone through all the necessary calculations and negotiations. What is most important to me is the well-being of our people. I must ensure the protection of our workers,” Prabowo stated during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta. Despite the challenges faced, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia maintained a strong stance throughout the negotiations. “We have established our position. This is our offer, and we cannot go beyond that. However, the key priority is to safeguard the rights of our workers,” he emphasized. Furthermore, the president expressed confidence in Indonesia’s resilient economy, well-equipped to navigate global uncertainties, including trade tensions. “I am very optimistic about our economic strength. We are well-prepared to face any circumstances,” he affirmed. Reflecting on the tariff discussions with the U.S., Prabowo described the negotiations as tough yet fruitful. A mutual understanding was achieved as both sides recognized each other’s strategic interests. “We have acknowledged their priorities, and they have acknowledged ours. This mutual understanding led to an agreement,” he explained. “The tariffs have been reduced from 32% to 19%, and I continued negotiating with President Trump, a formidable negotiator himself,” he added. Earlier, President Trump had confirmed a trade agreement with Indonesia, announcing the reduction of tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19%.
Prabowo Emphasizes Priority on Workers Amid U.S. Tariff Talks
