These products include information and communications technology (ICT), data centers, and medical device components.
“They must still comply with import regulations set by the relevant ministries and meet certification requirements from health authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” Hartarto said during a press conference on Thursday.
Previously, Indonesia and the US issued a Joint Statement outlining several reciprocal tariff agreements. Among them is Indonesia's commitment to addressing non-tariff barriers, including TKDN requirements, which are often seen as obstacles to trade and investment from the US.
According to the minister, similar relaxations were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, when foreign-produced vaccines were imported quickly to meet urgent public health needs.
“We did this during COVID-19. We were able to receive vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer, based on their FDA certification. With WHO protocols and BPOM approval, these vaccines could be used immediately,” he explained.
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Looking ahead, Hartarto noted that adjustments to TKDN regulations will focus on sectors with high-tech characteristics and specific needs, such as digital infrastructure and servers.
In parallel, the Indonesian government is also continuing negotiations with the US to reduce import tariffs on several strategic national commodities—aiming for rates below 19 percent, and potentially down to zero.
Hartarto mentioned that the products proposed for tariff reductions include key commodities not produced in the US, such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, agricultural goods, and certain minerals.
“These also include components for industrial products located in specific zones, such as free trade areas,” he said.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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