Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is standing by its offer to increase energy imports from the United States in an effort to negotiate a reduction in Washington’s reciprocal tariff rate.The move comes after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed a 32 percent import tariff on Indonesian goods, maintaining the rate first announced in April.
"Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is still pursuing negotiations. We’ve offered to help balance trade by around US$15 billion through energy sector imports," said Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung on Tuesday.
Tanjung said Indonesia has proposed importing crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the US as part of the deal, while ruling out liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports due to sufficient domestic supply. In addition to energy imports, he noted that Indonesia has also invited US investment in its rare earth elements and mining sector.
Baca juga: Minister Hartarto heads to US to continue tariff negotiations
When asked whether Indonesia would abandon its plan to increase energy imports if negotiations fail, Tanjung said the ministry is still awaiting a final decision and is approaching the situation with caution.
"We must remain calm in responding to this kind of development," he added.
Baca juga: Indonesia to buy energy products worth US$15.5 bln from US: minister
Trump’s decision to uphold the 32 percent tariff was reiterated in a letter to President Prabowo Subianto, published on Monday. The tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025. Minister Hartarto is expected to depart for Washington, D.C. this week to continue negotiations with US officials.
