Trump Investigates Indonesian Trading Practices as Reciprocal Trade Agreement Remains Cornerstone

JAKARTA — The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has ensured that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) remains the primary reference point for trade relations between Indonesia and the United States, despite the US government conducting investigations into trading practices of several countries, including Indonesia.

Haryo Limanseto, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, stated that the trade investigation currently underway in the US is part of an administrative legal mechanism in that country.

“So they must follow the investigation process. However, our anchor remains the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), so we shall proceed through this process,” he said in a written statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

Haryo explained that the US government’s trade investigation also encompasses several other countries. However, Indonesia is considered to hold a distinct position because both nations have agreed to the ART following an intensive negotiation process that lasted more than one year.

“We shall proceed with the investigation by providing the necessary data. We are confident that what is under their attention has already been discussed in the ART negotiations,” he said.

The government believes that most issues of concern have been comprehensively discussed during the ART negotiation process.

The ART agreement itself encompasses various aspects of trade and economic cooperation between Indonesia and the US, including efforts to create more balanced trade relations for both nations.

The process includes consultation with the Indonesian Parliament as well as ratification procedures in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

“The ART is a win-win agreement for both countries. Therefore, we are optimistic that this extensively negotiated agreement will continue to proceed,” he concluded.