Indonesia clarifies tariff plan amid speculations

JAKARTA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan clarified the nation's proposed 200 percent import tariff amid rising speculations on Friday, noting that the tariff is not aimed at any particular country.

Luhut emphasized the importance of aligning Indonesia's policies with its national interests given the current global geopolitical uncertainties. "Indonesia will not simply follow other countries if it contradicts our national interests," he asserted.

According to him, during a coordination meeting on June 25 led by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, it was decided to protect domestic industry in accordance with existing regulatory provisions and applicable international trade norms. The implementation of safeguard tariffs on several textile products, applicable to all imports regardless of origin, was a key decision.

He said that President Widodo also called for stricter import supervision, particularly against used and smuggled goods, and opened investigations into unfair trade practices like dumping.

Luhut highlighted ongoing dialogues with the trade minister to balance national interests with international partnerships. "We are not targeting any particular country. All steps are taken based on our national interests," he said.

"We want to ensure that Indonesia's good relations with partner countries continue to prioritize the principles of mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual complementarity, especially in uncertain global conditions," he concluded.