This was communicated by President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to the White House on December 12, 2024.
"If America is angry, it's not angry, that's relative. Regarding this matter, they already understand because it was made clear during President (Prabowo) meeting in Washington," Hartarto said during the BNI Investor Daily Round Table in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He revealed that the White House also supports Indonesia's bid to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
He emphasized that Indonesia-US bilateral economic relations remain strong through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Indonesia has signed three out of four pillars of the IPEF with the US, and the agreements have been ratified by President Prabowo.
Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as US President on January 20, 2025, many stakeholders have expressed concerns over the geopolitical dynamics between the US and China, which could affect several global trade policies.
In response, Indonesia has taken strategic steps to secure its interests, including participating in the Critical Mineral Alliance.
"We are, of course, preparing for the Critical Mineral Alliance. Previously, the US proposed a bilateral critical mineral (alliance), but this could also be expanded to include Canada and Australia," he said.
In addition, the US has appointed Indonesia as one of the seven countries that can develop a semiconductor ecosystem. According to Hartarto, this presents a great opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its position in the global technology supply chain.
However, he also underlined the challenges that Indonesia continues to face, including market access to the US, which is still subject to tariffs.
Indonesian export products, such as garments and footwear, are subject to tariffs of around 10 to 20 percent.
"So, this means that all Indonesian goods are still subject to import tariffs of 10 to 20 percent. Even so, we've managed to enter their market, compared to Vietnam, which has zero tariffs," he highlighted.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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