Indonesia's House Demands Deep Review of US Trade Deal

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) is calling for a comprehensive review of the proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States before any ratification. Deputy Chairperson of Commission VI, Adisatrya Suryo Sulisto, warned that the pact could significantly affect public life and the nation's fiscal health, potentially necessitating amendments to existing laws or the creation of new ones.

"Even if it is continued, the ratification must be enacted through a law because its impact is so wide," Adisatrya stated during a public hearing. He stressed the importance of carefully assessing the ART's viability, particularly as similar trade agreements face legal scrutiny in the United States, including annulment by its Supreme Court. Commission VI intends to thoroughly examine the agreement's substance with the government before forming an official stance.

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Even if it is continued, the ratification must be enacted through a law because its impact is so wide.

Adding to the deliberations, the Civil Society Coalition for Economic Justice presented a detailed document to Commission VI. Coordinator Olicias Gultom explained that the document includes their position statement and a compiled list of issues concerning the ART, intended as a key reference for the House. Adisatrya requested the coalition to organize the document systematically for optimal use in government discussions, assuring that Commission VI will closely monitor the ART deliberations and remain open to further input.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto asserted that the trade pact remains valid despite a recent US Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs. He clarified that the ruling specifically addressed the annulment of global tariffs and duty reimbursements for certain corporations, while the bilateral agreement between Indonesia and the US operates under its own distinct framework.

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We are presenting this as an official document to the DPR. There will be the statement we read out earlier, including the list of issues we compiled.