Prabowo Urges Cabinet to Refrain from Commenting on Trump’s Tariffs
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed senior government officials to avoid making public comments on United States trade measures, including recently announced tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The instruction aims to maintain political and economic stability at home amid growing global tensions.
The formal directive was conveyed through Presidential Cabinet Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, who confirmed on Sunday, April 6, that the president has asked members of his Red and White Cabinet to act with restraint and focus on preserving a calm and stable domestic environment.
“As part of the international community, Indonesia, although not directly involved, will inevitably feel the effects of this development. It is our duty as leaders to respond prudently in order to maintain internal stability,” said Prasetyo.
President Trump announced on Wednesday, April 2, during a Liberation Day press briefing at the White House Rose Garden, that the United States would impose reciprocal tariffs on 50 countries, including Indonesia. Trump’s administration claimed that these countries had been harming US domestic economic interests. Indonesia, specifically, now faces a 32 percent import tariff, in response to what Trump’s team alleges is a 64 percent tariff burden on American goods entering the Indonesian market.
Despite the seriousness of this development, Prabowo has asked cabinet members not to comment publicly. “The President emphasized that we must all refrain from offering opinions or commentary on the US tariff policy,” said Prasetyo.
However, three top ministers—Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani—have been given permission to issue statements, but only within the scope of their official responsibilities.
“They may speak as needed to ensure economic and political stability remains intact in Indonesia,” said Prasetyo, adding that the directive was issued well before Trump’s formal tariff announcement on April 2.
Among the countries hardest hit by Trump’s trade measures are Cambodia, with a 49 percent tariff, followed by Laos (48 percent), Madagascar (47 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), Sri Lanka and Myanmar (both 44 percent).
Singapore’s Swift and Strategic Response
President Prabowo has yet to address the Indonesian public directly regarding the tariff policy announced by US President Donald Trump. However, through his spokesperson, Prabowo emphasized that his administration’s current development strategies—namely the national free nutritious meal program, the industrial downstreaming agenda, and the Danantara sovereign wealth initiative—are already well-positioned to strengthen Indonesia’s economic resilience against the potential fallout from the tariffs.
In stark contrast to Indonesia’s cautious and closed-door stance, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a decisive and well-articulated response via a YouTube address. Wong acknowledged the strategic challenges posed by the new US tariffs and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to a rules-based global trade system. He assured domestic businesses of the government’s support and outlined immediate measures to cushion the impact.
Wong’s speech was lauded for its clarity and direction, providing the public and international partners with a clear understanding of Singapore’s position and next steps.