Indonesia Prepares Economic Stimulus to Counter US Tariffs, Protect Local Jobs

Jakarta. Indonesia is crafting an economic stimulus package to shield its export-driven economy from retaliatory tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, as trade tensions between the two nations threaten to disrupt investment and job-heavy industries.
Chief Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Friday that the government is working on a comprehensive policy response to cushion domestic businesses from the impact of higher US tariffs, which could push duties on Indonesian exports.
The package includes easing import licensing through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, streamlining tax and customs services, adjusting import quotas, and enacting reforms in the financial sector. The government is also in talks with Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to address issues related to payment systems, an area raised during trade discussions with Washington.
“We are coordinating closely with OJK and BI, especially on payment requirements requested by the US side,” Airlangga said during a virtual press conference.
Indonesia is among the first countries officially invited by the US to enter formal tariff negotiations following Trump’s April 2 announcement of additional duties on several trading partners. The two nations have agreed to a 60-day window to finalize a cooperation framework. The US has delayed the implementation of a 32 percent reciprocal tariff on Indonesian products until June 9, applying only a temporary 10 percent baseline tariff in the interim.
Textile exports, Indonesia’s labor-intensive and high-volume sector, normally face US duties ranging from 10 percent to 37 percent. With the additional 10 percent baseline tariff, effective rates could climb as high as 47 percent, Airlangga warned. Domestically, the sector is already under strain from cheap Chinese imports and weakening demand, which have forced many factories to close and led to the layoff of thousands of workers.
“This significantly raises export costs. US buyers are asking our exporters to split the tariff burden, meaning the impact is not limited to US importers,” he said.
Indonesia is pushing for equal treatment, especially compared to regional competitors in ASEAN. Products most affected include garments, footwear, textiles, furniture, and shrimp. The government is seeking US concessions on 20 priority export products in return for balanced tariff treatment.
As part of the negotiation strategy, Indonesia plans to boost imports of US energy and agricultural commodities, including LPG, crude oil, wheat, and soybeans, and is considering reducing value-added tax on certain American goods. Other measures include easing local content requirements for telecommunications, expediting halal certification, and offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to stimulate trade.
“These initiatives are part of a broader push to maintain competitiveness while promoting a fairer trading relationship,” Airlangga said.
Mari Elka Pangestu, deputy chair of the National Economic Council, said the stimulus package is also aimed at protecting vulnerable industries and preventing job losses. The government plans to establish a task force to respond to potential layoffs resulting from trade disruptions.
“The next 30 to 60 days will be critical. We’re still in active negotiations,” Mari concluded.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia Revives Boeing-Garuda Deal Amid Tariff Talks
Indonesia’s Danantara reopens talks with Boeing to revive a stalled deal with Garuda as Jakarta seeks closer US trade ties.Trump’s Tariffs Could Trigger Mass Layoffs in Indonesia, INDEF Says
Indonesia may see mass layoffs in coming months as US tariffs and global trade tensions squeeze manufacturing and export sectors.Global Trade is Slowing —the World and Indonesia Need to Pay Attention
A global retreat from open markets, especially if driven by politics over pragmatism, will leave everyone worse off.Joining OECD Could Help Indonesia’s Trade Talks with the US, Minister Says
Indonesia to submit OECD accession document in June, aligning the process with US trade talks.Trump’s Tariff is Part of His Grand Strategy -- with A Huge Cost
Trump's tariff policy reflects a grand strategic approach rather than the belief that high tariffs alone will fix the US trade deficitJCI Returns to 7,000 Level as Trump Declares ‘Total Reset’ With China
Jakarta stocks rally past 7,000 for first time since Feb. as US–China tariff truce lifts markets and Trump signals shift in trade stanceIndonesia Changes Trade Data Release Schedule Amid US Tariff Review
Indonesia ends mid-month trade estimates, will release only final monthly data as March trade surplus hits $4.33B amid US tariff tension.‘Anything Can Happen’: Indonesia Should Focus on Domestic Market as US-China Tariff War Cools
As US-China trade war eases, Indonesia should focus on boosting its household consumption, Apindo's chairwoman Shinta Kamdani says.Indonesia Told to Take Advantage of US-China Tariff Truce
The US and China recently announced a 90-day truce in their escalating trade war.US Stocks Surge Following 90-Day US-China Trade Truce, Dow Jumps Nearly 1,000 Points
Stocks soar after the US and China agree to a 90-day truce in their trade war, with Dow up 957 points and S&P 500 climbing 2.6%.The Latest
Bimo Wijayanto Officially Appointed as Indonesia’s New Director General of Taxes
Bimo was one of 22 senior officials sworn in on the same day to assume echelon I leadership positions within the Ministry of Finance.Emergency Reserves, High Prices, Rationing -- How Did Japan's Rice Crisis Get This Far?
To cope with shortfalls this year, the government has released rice reserves. But the grain has been slow to reach supermarket shelves.Astra Encourages Bangka Belitung Youth to Make Impact
Astra also encourages local youth to take part at its SATU Indonesia Awards.Luhut Proposes $1 Billion Joint Investment Between Indonesia’s Danantara and China’s Sovereign Wealth Entities
During a high-level meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Luhut proposed the creation of a joint sovereign wealth initiative.Five Rehabilitated Orangutans Released into the Wild in Central Kalimantan
“Orangutans are a keystone species, essential for maintaining the balance of Kalimantan’s forests,” an official said.Most Popular
