The government has reaffirmed that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States remains the primary foundation of bilateral trade relations. The statement was delivered in response to ongoing trade investigation developments in the United States, which are part of that country’s legal administrative procedures.

“In principle, this is a matter of legal administration in their country, so they must follow the investigation process. However, our main reference remains the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), and we will simply go through this process,” said Haryo Limanseto, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, when responding to media questions during a media gathering event with FORKEM in Jakarta on Friday (March 13).

Haryo further explained that the investigation process also involves several other countries. However, Indonesia holds a distinct position, as both nations have already agreed on the ART following more than a year of intensive negotiations.

“We will follow the investigation by providing the necessary data. We are confident that the issues being raised have actually been addressed during the ART negotiations,” he said.

The Indonesian government has also communicated with U.S. authorities regarding the follow-up to the policy. In this process, the government believes that the concerns raised in the investigation have, in essence, been comprehensively discussed within the ART framework, including various trade and economic cooperation aspects of mutual interest.

In addition, the Indonesian government continues to proceed with domestic processes related to the implementation of the ART through existing mechanisms, including consultations with the House of Representatives and ratification procedures in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.

“The ART is a win-win agreement for both countries. Therefore, we remain optimistic that this agreement, which has been negotiated over a long period, will continue to move forward,” Haryo concluded.