Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced during an online briefing on Tuesday that the document is expected to be finalized after a week-long technical meeting starting the second week of January.
The U.S. government is currently determining the most suitable timing for the bilateral summit.
The agreement aims to establish equal market access, building on a joint statement issued in July 2025.
Under the proposed terms, the U.S. will grant tariff exceptions for major Indonesian agricultural exports, while Indonesia will facilitate U.S. access to its critical minerals—essential components for the global green energy transition.
"The agreement is commercial and strategic in nature, benefiting the economic interests of both countries in a balanced manner," Hartarto said, noting that all major obstacles have been resolved.
The pact seeks to address specific exclusions in current U.S. trade policy.
While President Trump’s Executive Order 14360, signed in November, provided tariff exemptions for several agricultural products—including coffee, tea, and cocoa—it did not include palm oil.
As Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, its inclusion in this new reciprocal agreement is a significant victory for Jakarta.
In Washington, Indonesian Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo confirmed that the embassy has begun preparations for President Prabowo's visit.
While awaiting final instructions from Jakarta, the diplomatic mission is coordinating the logistics for the high-level meeting.
The Ministry clarified that the agreement focuses strictly on commercial and strategic trade and will not interfere with Indonesia's internal domestic policies.
Translator: Bayu Saputra, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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