Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto expressed surprise over criticism of the results of the import tariff negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
He addressed the issue during his speech at the 27th anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on July 23, 2025.
Prabowo noted that global conditions are currently challenging and stressed the importance of maintaining Indonesia's non-aligned stance. Economically, he said, many countries are facing pressure from the United States and its tariff policies.
He acknowledged that the US took a tough stance during the talks but emphasized his responsibility to protect Indonesian workers from layoffs.
"That's why I held discussions and negotiations, but criticism always follows. What should we do? We need criticism and oversight, but sometimes the tone of criticism feels off. We're not perfect, but we're trying to do good work," Prabowo said.
He also recalled earlier criticism of his free nutritious meal program and other initiatives, such as free education.
"Some even questioned whether we really need free meals or free education," he said.
According to Prabowo, the 1945 Constitution guarantees free education for all Indonesian children, making it non-negotiable. "So don't question that. Hungry children must not be left hungry – they are our future," he added.
Previously, the United States released the main points of the import tariff deal reached between President Trump and President Prabowo on July 15, 2025. According to a joint statement from the White House, the agreement includes Indonesia removing about 99 percent of tariff barriers on a wide range of US industrial, food, and agricultural exports.
"The United States will lower reciprocal tariffs to 19 percent, as stipulated in Executive Order 14257 issued on April 2, 2025, for goods from Indonesia," the statement said on July 22.
Both countries also agreed to eliminate several non-tariff barriers for US products, including Indonesia's Domestic Component Level (TKDN) requirement.
Labeling regulations for US imports will also be lifted. In addition, Indonesia will revoke import restrictions and permits for US goods and components, end pre-shipment inspections, and adopt good regulatory practices.
Listya Endang Artiani, a researcher and economics lecturer at the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), said the agreement shows a clear imbalance in favor of the United States. According to her, the terms are more beneficial to the US than to Indonesia.
"One of the key issues in the trade agreement between President Prabowo and President Trump is the unequal tariff structure," Listya said in a written statement to Tempo on Friday, July 18.
She noted that while the agreement may appear to boost the competitiveness of Indonesian exports in the US market, a closer look reveals that US goods will enter Indonesia largely free of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
"In terms of international trade, this is no longer mutual. It's more of a one-way deal," said the lecturer from UII's Faculty of Business and Economics.
– Hendrik Khoirul Muhid contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2031930/prabowo-surprised-by-cynicism-toward-tariff-deal-with-trum