Indonesia Considers Bilateral Talks with Trump to Secure Exports

Jakarta, VIVA – The Indonesian government is exploring the option of initiating bilateral communications with US President Donald Trump to protect Indonesian products from potential trade restrictions.

“We will try to approach and seek out a good relationship framework so we can break into the market,” said Trade Minister Budi Santoso on Wednesday (Jan 15).

Despite concerns, Minister Santoso expressed optimism that Trump's second term would not negatively affect Indonesia’s export performance, as seen during his first term.

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[dok. Menteri Perdagangan, Budi Santoso, saat ditemui di kawasan Slipi, Jakarta Barat, Rabu, 15 Januari 2025]

Photo :

• VIVA.co.id/Mohammad Yudha Prasetya

"It didn't affect us before, and hopefully, it won't this year either," he remarked.

While initially worried about the impact of Trump’s economic and trade policies during his first term, Minister Santoso is grateful that the anticipated challenges did not materialize in Indonesia's export performance to the US.

He also believes that Indonesia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with high-quality products will play an active role in mitigating potential negative effects.

“We must be ready, which is why competitiveness is key,” he added.

For context, Trump is expected to take drastic steps after being inaugurated, including possibly declaring a national economic emergency.

He has indicated that such a move would be necessary to justify trade tariffs on both allies and adversaries, as he seeks to overhaul the US trade balance.

Declaring a national economic emergency would grant Trump the authority to implement new trade tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, giving him unilateral control over imports during a national emergency.

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“We must be ready, which is why competitiveness is key,” he added.