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View all search resultsIndonesia reaffirms free and active policy amid tariff concerns
The tariff deal with the United States should not be interpreted as Indonesia siding itself with one side, but rather as an effort to seek cooperation with all friends and partners that align with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision on foreign policy, according to the Foreign Ministry.
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Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto (second right) and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (second left) show signed copies of the United States-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs (ART) on Feb. 19 during the signing ceremony of the agreement in Washington, DC. (Courtesy of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)
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ndonesia has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing national interests and upholding its “free and active” foreign policy, as concerns mount over provisions in its latest tariff agreement with the United States seen as potentially constraining its long-standing doctrine.
The recently signed tariff pact with the US reflects Indonesia’s openness to expanding partnerships rather than alignment with any bloc, as asserted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang.
“Indonesia’s relations with other countries are guided by our free and active policy, which must remain the main foundation of our diplomacy. The principle is not situational; it is a constitutional mandate,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Friday.
“Our cooperation with partner countries, including the US or any other nation, must always be carried out within the framework of our national interests first,” she went on to say.
Yvonne added that such an approach to diplomacy should not be interpreted as a strategic alignment with any side, as the country only seeks cooperation with “all friends and partners”.
The strategy is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of Indonesian diplomacy, with the spokesperson referring to the “good neighbor” policy of fostering friendly relations with as many nations as possible while offending none.
Concerns over Jakarta’s potential shifting trajectory on the international stage have emerged in recent weeks following the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs (ART) with Washington, which is primarily aimed at reducing tariffs on Indonesian exports and eliminating most duties on American imports.
