New York - Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, has expressed strong optimism regarding the prospect of a trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States (US).

In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Anindya—popularly known as Anin—emphasized that both countries share significant potential to deepen cooperation, particularly in cross-border trade and investment.

“We currently have a trade surplus with the United States of approximately USD 18 billion. At the same time, Indonesia imports oil and gas derivatives from various countries, totaling around USD 40 billion. The government is now considering realigning some of this trade,” said Anin on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) local time.

Anin added that some of Indonesia’s potential energy imports come from US states such as Texas and surrounding areas.

“Texas is an attractive state to initiate cooperation. But what I want to emphasize is that in trade relations, the core issue isn't just balancing the trade deficit or surplus—it's about expanding the total trade volume between our two countries,” Anin explained.

According to him, the US is looking to expand exports of soybeans, cotton, and wheat to Indonesia. Meanwhile, Indonesia is seeking to expand its exports of electronics, footwear, and garments into the US market.

However, Anin underlined that Indonesia’s potential is not limited to manufactured goods.

“We also have abundant critical minerals, which can form the basis for strategic cooperation with the US. This would help reduce dependence on any single country,” he stated.

When asked about the likelihood of a bilateral trade deal, Anin expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached in the near future.

“Of course, it's the government's job to negotiate and finalize agreements. But we in the private sector are very confident. I represent Kadin Indonesia. After this (New York), I’ll head to Washington D.C. to meet with the US Chamber of Commerce to discuss further opportunities. Increased cross-border investment is very possible,” he noted.

Regarding the US energy policy under Donald Trump’s administration, which is increasingly focused on fossil fuels and has distanced itself from the Green New Deal, Anin pointed out that Indonesia takes a different approach.

“Indonesia is blessed with fossil fuels and oil and gas resources. But beneath the surface, we also have a vast array of critical minerals, including nickel, bauxite, tin, copper, and rare earth elements,” Anin explained.

He views this as a major opportunity for energy transition.

“Above the ground, we have tremendous potential for renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydro. Interestingly, US states like Texas are also rapidly developing their renewable energy sectors,” he added.

Anin also highlighted Indonesia’s biodiversity and natural capital.

“Not many people know this, but Indonesia has the third-largest tropical rainforest in the world. One day, we may be able to leverage carbon credits from these forests to increase the value-added of our critical minerals sector,” he said.

“We, in the business community, are fully committed—and I know the government is just as eager to make this happen,” Anin concluded.