Deputy Minister of Investment Claims Trade Agreement with the US Will Not Affect Indonesia's Independence

Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries/Deputy Head of BKPM, Todotua Pasaribu, has assured that the trade agreement between the government and the United States does not limit the scope of investment in Indonesia.

Todotua affirmed that Indonesia will continue to adhere to the principle of free and active cooperation with other countries outside the US.

“We will continue to adhere to the principle of free and active cooperation in trade and other areas. We need to open communication and cooperation with the US and other institutions,” said Todotua when met by reporters at the BKPM office in Jakarta, as quoted on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

In addition, BKPM also ensures that the independence of the national economy will not be disrupted despite the trade agreement with the US.

“Our independence remains intact. Our President, Prabowo, is clear about this. Our independence is our business, and there will be no interference,” he emphasized.

However, Todotua underlined the importance of maintaining open communication with foreign parties for the sake of trade and investment.

“We must open communication in order to facilitate trade and investment,” he said.

Furthermore, when asked about the relaxation of the Domestic Content Level (TKDN) for some US companies, Todotua said it was part of a strategy.

“It is just part of a strategy. Some of the requirements have been relaxed,” he said.

“There are also calculations involved, and the trade we get from them is not too affected by this,” said Todotua.