James Riady Calls US–Indonesia Trade Pact Transformational

WASHINGTON, D.C., Investortrust.id — The US–Indonesia reciprocal trade agreement marks a historic and transformational moment for both economies, said James Riady in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, as President Prabowo Subianto and President Donald Trump formalized the pact to deepen bilateral trade, investment and technology cooperation. He said the deal ushers in a more structured and predictable phase of economic relations that could accelerate long-term business expansion.

James Riady, deputy coordinating chair for foreign affairs at Kadin Indonesia, accompanied Prabowo during the visit and witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade.

“This is a transformational agreement,” James said on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026. “With the signing of this comprehensive pact, we are entering a new phase of economic relations that is deeper, more structured and more predictable.”

He described the agreement as the result of strategic alignment between the world’s largest economy and one of the fastest-growing major emerging markets.

“Certainty is the primary currency of investment,” he said. “Clearer rules, more predictable market access and reduced regulatory barriers will provide the foundation for long-term investment decisions.”

James outlined three reasons why he considered the deal transformational. The first was regulatory certainty, which he said would reduce friction for businesses operating across borders.

The second was scale, as the pact opened broader space for lowering trade barriers, expanding bilateral flows and integrating supply chains.

“This is not only about exports and imports, but about building a joint production ecosystem,” he said.

The third dimension involved technology and value chains, with future cooperation expected in digital services, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, energy transition, healthcare and agritech.

“Trade today is no longer only about commodities,” James said. “It is about technology partnerships and deeper collaboration across sectors.”

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He added that Indonesia arrived in Washington with solid economic momentum, citing growth of around 5 percent in 2025, strengthening performance over the past four quarters and large-scale government programs in housing, food security, infrastructure and downstream industrial development.

“With a population of more than 280 million and a rapidly expanding digital market, Indonesia is not just a large market but also a strategic production base and long-term technology partner,” he said.

James emphasized that Prabowo’s presence at the signing signaled strong political commitment to deepen economic ties and create jobs.

“The President’s attendance sends a clear message that Indonesia is open for serious and sustainable business cooperation,” he said.

For US businesses, Indonesia offered stability, pragmatism and a strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, he added. “This is the moment to enter the market, expand operations, form long-term joint ventures and participate in Indonesia’s next growth phase,” James said.

He concluded that the agreement was not merely a government-to-government achievement.

“Today we are not just signing an agreement,” he said. “We are building trust, partnership and a new generation of economic cooperation.”