Sulaiman's statement came after the U.S. imposed a 19 percent tariff on Indonesian products, while American products entering Indonesia remain untaxed. Additionally, under a trade agreement, Indonesia has committed to purchasing $4.5 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products.
Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Sulaiman emphasized that imports are not conducted arbitrarily or without careful consideration.
“If we need to import, then we do, but only with recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade, and only if Indonesia requires it. For example, wheat is a commodity we definitely need, and we still require soybeans,” he explained.
Sulaiman had earlier indicated that Indonesia would import U.S. agricultural products, specifically wheat, as part of the reciprocal tariff reduction agreement.
He clarified that the import plan does not contradict the country’s domestic food security programs. He affirmed that the government remains committed to protecting local farmers by boosting domestic productivity and pursuing national food self-sufficiency targets.
“Our farmers will remain protected. As long as domestic production is sufficient, why should we import?” he stated.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that the U.S. tariff reduction to 19 percent also brings positive outcomes for Indonesia. He credited President Prabowo Subianto’s exceptional negotiating, which succeeded in lowering the U.S. tariff from 32 percent to 19 percent.
“One of the key advantages for Indonesia is that we now face a 19 percent tariff. Our crude palm oil (CPO) (can) enter the U.S. market,” Sulaiman stated.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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