Washington, DC - Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to strengthen trade and investment relations with the United States, including through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which is set to be signed with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Anindya, commonly known as Anin, assessed that the agreement sends a positive signal to the business communities of both countries, particularly regarding the tariff scheme, which he described as competitive.

“Kadin hopes and from what we have heard that the 19 percent tariff is already very competitive. Moreover, several of our export products that use components from the United States could even see tariffs reduced or eliminated. This is very interesting, but the details need to be carefully examined,” Anin said in Washington, DC, on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), local time.

Anin emphasized that business players must closely review the technical provisions of the ART to ensure that its benefits can be fully optimized, particularly for the manufacturing and value-added industrial sectors.

According to him, several industry associations have begun exploring concrete collaboration opportunities with U.S. counterparts as a follow-up to the agreement.

“Earlier, I spoke with one of the leaders of the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI) who is here. They want to engage with their counterparts to explore what can be imported from the United States, processed in Indonesia, and then exported back to the U.S. with added value,” Anin said.

He noted that such a scheme aligns with Indonesia’s downstreaming agenda and efforts to enhance national export competitiveness.

“If the demand comes from the United States, it certainly makes sense especially if the tariff is zero,” he added.

Anin further stressed that Kadin fully supports the economic diplomacy led directly by President Prabowo. During his remarks at the roundtable session of the Business Summit in Honor of H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia held jointly with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), and the US-Indonesia Society (USINDO) President Prabowo emphasized the importance of the Indonesia–U.S. trade agreement for businesses and investors in both countries.

“This sends a clear signal that Indonesia and the United States have chosen to pursue deeper economic cooperation, stronger market access, and greater certainty for the business community,” President Prabowo was quoted as saying on the official presidential website.

The President also underscored that certainty is a key factor in attracting investment. Stability, the rule of law, and good governance form the foundation of a healthy business climate.

“No one wants to invest in a situation of uncertainty, instability, or even chaos. We are very fortunate that Indonesia has enjoyed a relatively long period of stability and peace,” President Prabowo said.

During the meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto; Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia; Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM and CEO of Danantara Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; Danantara CIO Pandu Sjahrir; Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya; and Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo.

Representing Kadin Indonesia were Coordinating Vice Chair for Foreign Affairs James T. Riady; Coordinating Vice Chair for Human Development, Culture, and Sustainable Development and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) Shinta W. Kamdani; Vice Chair for Foreign Affairs Bernardino M. Vega; Vice Chair for Downstreaming and President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas; and Vice Chair for Special Economic Zones, Industrial Zones, and National Strategic Projects and CEO of Wiraraja Group Akhmad Ma’ruf Maulana.

Following the Business Summit roundtable, President Prabowo witnessed the signing of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth US$38.4 billion between Indonesian and U.S. business entities during the Gala Iftar Dinner in Honor of H.E. Prabowo Subianto, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council.

The 11 MoUs represent concrete collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders of both countries across various fields, ranging from mining and downstreaming, energy, agribusiness, textiles and garments, to furniture manufacturing and technology development.

According to the official presidential website, the MoUs signed are as follows:

1. A Memorandum of Agreement on Critical Minerals, signed by Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; President & CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Kathleen Quirk; and President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas.

2. An MoU on Oilfield Recovery between Pertamina and Halliburton, signed by Pertamina CEO Simon Mantiri and Halliburton President Director Ankush Balla.

3. An MoU in Agriculture (Corn) between PT Cargill Indonesia, PT Arena Agro Andalan, and Cargill Inc.

4. An MoU on Cotton between Busana Apparel Group and the U.S. National Cotton Council.

5. An MoU on Cotton between Daehan Global and the U.S. National Cotton Council.

6. An MoU on Shredded Worn Clothing between the Indonesian Garment and Textile Association, PT Pan Brothers, and Ravel.

7. An MoU on Furniture between ASMINDO (Indonesian Furniture Industry & Handicraft Association) and Bingaman and Son Lumber, Inc.

8. An MoU on Semiconductors between Galang Bumi Industri and Essence.

9. An MoU on Semiconductors between Galang Bumi Industri (GBI) and Tynergy Technology Group.

10. A Transnational Free Trade Zone Friendship agreement between Galang Bumi Industri and Solanna Group LLC.

11. An MoU on Furniture/Wood Products between the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI) and the American Hardwood Export Council.

During his working visit to the United States, President Prabowo is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump, sign the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), and attend the Gaza Board of Peace Summit.

Indonesia Safe, Stable, and Inclusive

After attending the Gala Iftar Dinner, Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie expressed appreciation for President Prabowo’s leadership in promoting Indonesia–U.S. economic cooperation.

“Today we saw President Prabowo truly at the forefront in what we might call an economic campaign in the United States. We know that in the near future there will be the signing of a trade agreement aimed not only at balancing trade but also at increasing it. This is very significant,” Anin said.

He explained that beyond improving the trade balance, President Prabowo is also focused on strengthening two-way investment between Indonesia and the United States.

“Most importantly, Indonesia is recognized by the United States as a stable, secure, and developing country. But not only developing developing in an inclusive manner, lifting the overall welfare of the people,” Anin continued.

According to Anin, this strategic step could serve as a major breakthrough in strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global economic arena.

“I believe this can deliver a significant breakthrough Indonesia maintaining strong relations with the United States, our second-largest trading partner, while also maintaining strong ties with other countries,” Anin concluded.