Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto departed for Washington, D.C., United States, on Tuesday, July 8, to respond to the high import tariff policy that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to impose on all Indonesian products. 

“Coordinating Minister Airlangga is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025,” said the spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Haryo Limanseto, on Tuesday, July 8. 

The visit follows Trump’s decision to impose a 32% import tariff on goods from Indonesia starting August 1, 2025. The Indonesian government hopes there is still room for diplomacy before the policy is implemented. 

“The Indonesian government will maximize all available opportunities to safeguard the national interest moving forward,” said Haryo. 

Tariff Exemption Requirement: Indonesia Must Invest in the U.S. 

Although the tariff policy has been announced, Trump is offering Indonesia a chance to be exempt from the tariff burden—under one condition. The U.S. government is asking Indonesian companies to invest directly in the United States. 

“There will be no tariffs if Indonesia or companies in Indonesia decide to build or produce products in the U.S.,” said Trump in his letter to President Prabowo Subianto, which was posted via his official Truth Social account. 

Trump also promised a simplified permitting process for Indonesian investors. “If that is done, we will provide everything needed, including fast-track permits, in just a matter of weeks,” he said. 

This article is published in partnership with Katadata 

Original article here