Jokowi Reveals Contents of Prabowo Meeting: BoP and US Tariffs

Jokowi Reveals Contents of Prabowo Meeting: BoP and US Tariffs

The seventh President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, revealed the contents of his discussion with President Prabowo Subianto in a meeting that also invited all former presidents and vice-presidents as well as party leaders to the Istana. The gathering took place on Tuesday, 3 March.

Jokowi said that President Prabowo discussed two issues currently attracting public attention: Board of Peace (BoP) and the trade tariffs imposed by the United States on Indonesia.

‘Regarding Indonesia’s entry into BoP, and secondly regarding the Indonesia–US trade tariffs,’ Jokowi said in Solo on Friday, 6 March.

According to Jokowi, during the occasion President Prabowo explained his reasons for joining the BoP, established by US President Donald Trump.

‘We are in that forum to build a dialogue that is conducive to peace in the world,’ he said.

Besides the BoP issue, President Prabowo also explained the Indonesia–US tariff agreement. The agreement was signed by Prabowo and Donald Trump.

Jokowi said Prabowo is confident the agreement is very beneficial for Indonesia. After all, the United States imposes 0% tariffs on many Indonesian products.

‘There are 1,800 commodity items that enjoy 0% tariffs. This is something the public does not know very well,’ he said.

Jokowi noted that Indonesia’s trade balance with the United States is currently in surplus by more than USD 18 billion.

‘I think this is a very large figure that we can further increase,’ he added.

Furthermore, Jokowi praised the meeting between Prabowo and national figures. In particular, the meeting was interactive.

‘There were Mr. SBY, Mr. JK, Mr. Budiono, Mr. Ma’ruf Amin, party leaders, former foreign ministers. Everyone contributed input,’ Jokowi said.

‘I think it’s very good that such forums are held regularly,’ he added.