The position has been lying vacant for nearly two years after Rosan Perkasa Roeslani vacated it on July 17, 2023, after he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.
"There are several names that have been discussed by the President with several related ministers, with several related parties. Insya Allah, he (the President) will make a decision soon," Hadi said while answering journalists' questions at the Presidential Palace, here on Friday.
He did not divulge the names of candidates. He, however, said that the President will consider several criteria before appointing the US Ambassador.
"There are many (requirements and criteria), including diplomatic skills, then also economic skills in maintaining our trade relations with them. There are many factors, experience is needed. Experience is also important," he added.
Indonesia and the United States are currently still negotiating reciprocal import tariffs. The negotiations are currently being led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto.
US President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, set a base import tariff of 10 percent for all countries, and a reciprocal import tariff of 32 percent for a number of countries, including Indonesia.
However, the US government has currently imposed a moratorium on the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on many countries, including Indonesia, for 90 days.
The Indonesian government has sent a negotiating team to Washington, D.C. to discuss the determination of reciprocal import tariffs.
In Washington, D.C., Minister Hartarto met with US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and head of the US Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer.
The Indonesian delegation, led by Hartarto, and the US delegation agreed to hold intensive negotiations for 60 days starting May 20.
The negotiations will cover import licensing, digital trade and Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions (CDET), pre-shipment inspections, surveyor obligations, and domestic component level (TKDN) provisions for the industrial sector.
They will also cover the implementation of reciprocal tariffs and the strengthening of market access between the two countries.
During his meeting with Lutnick, Hartarto extended a number of offers, including Indonesia's willingness to buy LPG, gasoline, and crude oil from the US.
"Indonesia also plans to provide agricultural products, including wheat, soybeans, soy milk, and Indonesia will also increase purchases of capital goods from America," he said at a press conference in Washington, D.C. last month (May 18).
Translator: Genta Tenri Mawangi, Katriana
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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