During a meeting with ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe in Jakarta, Tuesday (May 27), she discussed a research proposal for ERIA to conduct a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the US tariff policy issue.
"This study will be very useful, both as learning material at the ERIA School of Government (SoG) and as a reference in formulating future trade policies for Indonesia and ASEAN," Esti noted in her statement.
At the meeting, she highlighted the impact of the implementation of US reciprocal tariffs on ASEAN countries.
She viewed this policy as a strong signal for ASEAN to strengthen economic cooperation while reducing the potential for competition within the region.
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade welcomed the report provided by ERIA, dated May 16, 2025, which outlined the estimated impact of US reciprocal tariffs on the ASEAN economy.
She highlighted that the report serves as an important foundation for ASEAN countries to understand the economic consequences of US protectionist policies, while also preparing mitigation measures so that ASEAN remains a growing and developing region.
Furthermore, Esti emphasized the importance of empowering MSMEs so they are able to penetrate the global market, with digitalization being key to transforming MSMEs in terms of market access, production efficiency, and increasing competitiveness.
In this context, she encouraged the development of an integrated digital platform within the ASEAN region to facilitate trade among member countries, particularly for MSMEs.
To achieve this, she requested that ERIA prepare a comprehensive study on the feasibility of implementing such a digital platform, including identifying potential challenges such as differences in export-import regulations, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS), as well as domestic regulations in each ASEAN country.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for synergy between policymakers and research institutions such as ERIA to produce data-based and evidence-based recommendations through collaboration with various stakeholders, including Indonesian Trade Representatives.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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