FM: Indonesia–US ART Based on Free-Active Policy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States is a bilateral mechanism that remains firmly grounded in the principles of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy and its national interest.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated that the free and active foreign policy is a constitutional mandate. Therefore, any cooperation established by Indonesia with partner countries, including the United States, must be placed within the framework of national interest.

“This does not mean that we have a strategic alignment with any particular bloc that could create the perception that cooperation with one country makes another country feel threatened,” Yvonne said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Friday.

The statement was delivered in response to comments from the Chinese government regarding the Indonesia–US reciprocal trade agreement, particularly concerning the possibility that Indonesia might implement similar import restrictions toward other trading partners.

Yvonne stressed that Indonesia is in fact seeking to expand partnerships and maintain good relations with all strategic partners, both the United States and China.

“ART will not change our political principles. Our free and active policy remains and will continue to serve as our compass,” she said.

She added that bilateral cooperation is an instrument to strengthen Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its national interests.

On the same occasion, Second Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela stated that Indonesia consistently seeks common ground with any country through productive and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

“With both China and the US, we have shared interests that we are building upon to form constructive bilateral cooperation,” Nabyl said.

Previously, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, said during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (Feb 24) that trade and economic cooperation should not target any third party or undermine the interests of other countries.

“China has always emphasized that mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation should not be directed at any third party or harm the interests of any other country,” Mao said in response to a question regarding the Indonesia–US ART.