House of Representatives Reminds Prabowo: US Import Tariff Negotiations Must Prioritise National Interests
Jakarta, VIVA – Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) is paying particular attention to trade tariff issues surrounding President Prabowo Subianto's working visit to the United States to meet President Donald Trump.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I, Dave Laksono, stressed that import tariff negotiations must be a crucial point that upholds economic sovereignty and national interests.
Dave stated that the bilateral meeting represents a strategic moment for Indonesia to lobby against United States trade policies that have long posed challenges for domestic exporters.
According to him, trade tariff negotiations must not merely result in agreements on paper but must have a direct impact on national economic growth.
"Regarding the trade tariff issue that has been discussed for some time, we emphasise that all negotiations must remain oriented towards national interests. This aspect affects not only economic growth but also Indonesia's position in safeguarding sovereignty and enhancing international competitiveness," Dave told reporters on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The Golkar Party politician further expressed hope that the diplomacy conducted by President Prabowo would ensure bilateral cooperation, particularly in the trade sector, proceeds on the principle of equality.
Commission I of the DPR wants to ensure that Indonesia is not merely a market but also a trading partner that benefits through competitive tariffs.
"We hope the diplomacy being conducted can ensure bilateral cooperation proceeds on the principle of equality, so that the benefits — particularly in terms of tariffs and market access — are truly felt by the Indonesian people," he added.
President Prabowo Subianto departed for a working visit to Washington DC, United States. The Head of State and a limited entourage took off from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday, 16 February 2026.
During the visit to the United States, President Prabowo is accompanied by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
President Prabowo is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening Indonesia-US relations and strategic cooperation across various sectors.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I, Dave Laksono, stressed that import tariff negotiations must be a crucial point that upholds economic sovereignty and national interests.
Dave stated that the bilateral meeting represents a strategic moment for Indonesia to lobby against United States trade policies that have long posed challenges for domestic exporters.
According to him, trade tariff negotiations must not merely result in agreements on paper but must have a direct impact on national economic growth.
"Regarding the trade tariff issue that has been discussed for some time, we emphasise that all negotiations must remain oriented towards national interests. This aspect affects not only economic growth but also Indonesia's position in safeguarding sovereignty and enhancing international competitiveness," Dave told reporters on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The Golkar Party politician further expressed hope that the diplomacy conducted by President Prabowo would ensure bilateral cooperation, particularly in the trade sector, proceeds on the principle of equality.
Commission I of the DPR wants to ensure that Indonesia is not merely a market but also a trading partner that benefits through competitive tariffs.
"We hope the diplomacy being conducted can ensure bilateral cooperation proceeds on the principle of equality, so that the benefits — particularly in terms of tariffs and market access — are truly felt by the Indonesian people," he added.
President Prabowo Subianto departed for a working visit to Washington DC, United States. The Head of State and a limited entourage took off from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday, 16 February 2026.
During the visit to the United States, President Prabowo is accompanied by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
President Prabowo is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening Indonesia-US relations and strategic cooperation across various sectors.