Indonesia Maintains Reciprocal Trade Agreement Commitment Amid US Trade Investigation

The Indonesian government has affirmed that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States remains the primary foundation of bilateral trade relations. This statement was made in response to an ongoing trade investigation process in the United States.

Haryo Limanseto, spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, characterised the process as part of administrative legal mechanisms in the United States.

“In principle, this is a matter of administrative law in their country, so they must follow the investigation process. However, our primary framework remains the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), so we will proceed through this process,” said Haryo in a written statement on Monday (16 March 2026).

Haryo made this statement while responding to media questions at the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Media Gathering with FORKEM in Jakarta on Friday (13 March).

Haryo explained that the investigation also involves several other countries. However, Indonesia holds a distinct position given that both nations have agreed to the ART following intensive negotiations lasting more than one year.

“We will participate in the investigation by providing necessary data. We are confident that the matters drawing attention have actually been discussed during ART negotiations,” Haryo clarified.

He added that the Indonesian government has also communicated with US authorities regarding the implementation of the policy.

According to him, several issues attracting attention in the investigation have fundamentally been comprehensively discussed during ART negotiations, including various aspects of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the government continues to advance the domestic implementation process of the ART through applicable mechanisms. This process includes consultations with parliament as well as ratification procedures in accordance with legal regulations.

“The ART represents a mutually beneficial agreement for both countries. Therefore, we are optimistic that this extensively negotiated agreement will remain on track,” concluded Haryo.