“You must believe that I prioritize Indonesia’s national interests,” he said in remarks broadcast in the “Prabowo Answers” program released by the Indonesian Government Communications Agency.
“If I think our national interests are threatened by any agreement, then we can leave it,” he added.
Prabowo said the agreement had undergone thorough evaluation before approval, with one key provision reducing trade tariffs from 32 percent to 19 percent.
He also noted that Indonesia received what he described as special treatment from US President Donald Trump under the deal.
The government retains room to renegotiate should the agreement prove detrimental to domestic interests.
“We agreed that if there are provisions not in line with the agreement or contrary to the interests of both parties, adjustment clauses will apply,” Prabowo said.
He added that the clause offers Indonesia flexibility to safeguard its economic sovereignty, describing it as a distinctive feature compared with other US trade arrangements.
From a trade perspective, Indonesia stands to benefit through broader market access, he said, with 1,819 strategic commodities granted zero-tariff entry to the United States.
Key exports such as coffee and palm oil are included among products eligible for tariff elimination, a move expected to benefit domestic producers and exporters.
The president said Indonesia would take a measured approach in responding to global trade dynamics and would not automatically follow policies adopted by neighboring countries.
He cited, for example, decisions by some countries such as Malaysia to unilaterally withdraw from trade arrangements, stressing that Indonesia would act based on careful consideration.
Prabowo emphasized that all economic diplomacy would be guided by a clear assessment of benefits for the Indonesian people.
He reiterated that maintaining national interests remains the government’s top priority in navigating international agreements and partnerships.
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Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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