RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Trade Minister Budi Santoso has assured that United States import tariffs will not disrupt Indonesia’s export performance, noting that the country’s trade balance remains strong.

Indonesia’s trade surplus with the US has continued into early 2026, prompting optimism that exports of leading national products will grow further compared to the previous period.

“We currently have a surplus, the largest being with the US and India, so there is no problem. Many Indonesian export products receive a zero percent tariff facility under the terms of the trade agreement between both countries,” Minister Budi said in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

He dismissed concerns that changes in US tariff regulations could narrow Indonesia’s trade balance, explaining that most of the country’s leading commodities already enjoy easy market access with very low entry costs.

Minister Budi emphasized that reciprocal trade relations provide balanced benefits for both parties, and the government will continue to increase shipment volumes to strengthen foreign exchange reserves through trade.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, previously stated that President Prabowo Subianto had instructed ministers to assess all risks arising from global policy dynamics.

“The Indonesian government has currently prepared various scenarios to deal with changes in US import tariff policies,” Minister Airlangga said.

He added that intensive coordination with US trade authorities is ongoing to safeguard Indonesia’s economic interests. “He asked us to study all the risks that might arise,” Minister Airlangga noted, stressing that Indonesia is ready to face multiple scenarios.

The government is also working to ensure that the maximum tariff of 19 percent can be significantly reduced, following a recent legal decision on the authority to impose emergency economic tariffs.

Despite adjustments to global tariffs, Indonesia is targeting a permanent zero percent facility. “Strengthening trade diplomacy is a key step in maintaining the competitiveness of local products in the US market,” Minister Airlangga said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)