REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto visited Malaysia to coordinate response to the US reciprocal tariff policy. Airlangga chose to communicate immediately and come to Malaysia, which is currently acting as the ASEAN Member in 2025.
“Malaysia as ASEAN Member 2025, has become very important to promote the strengthening of cooperation of all ASEAN Countries in facing various global challenges, including the response to the US reciprocal tariff policy,” Airlangga said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday (4/4/2025).
During this visit to Kuala Lumpur, on the first day, Thursday (3/4/2025), Airlangga held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia I Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the official residence of DPM I. The meeting discussed the latest developments in US reciprocal tariff policy.
On the second day of Friday, Menko Airlangga was received directly by Prime Minister (PM) of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at his office in Putrajaya. PM Anwar Ibrahim addressed the meeting to discuss the development of Malaysia's various economic cooperation with Indonesia.
“We take full advantage of the close friendship between the two countries, especially in strengthening even more economic and trade activities, involving Indonesian and Malaysian entrepreneurs in various related sectors,” Anwar Ibrahim said.
In line with Airlangga, PM Anwar also said that as ASEAN Chairman this year, Malaysia needs cooperation from all neighboring countries, including Indonesia, to increase Malaysia's capacity as an investment, tourism and trade destination in the region. At the meeting, PM Anwar Ibrahim was accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Azis.
After the meeting with PM Anwar, Airlangga directly followed up for a special meeting with MITI Tengku Zafrul. At the meeting, Tengku Zafrul said that the meeting with Menko Airlangga also discussed strategies for strengthening the ASEAN regional economy.
“In a global environment full of uncertainty, the ASEAN Union is no longer an option, but a necessity. Let us strengthen the regional economy for mutual prosperity,” Tengku Zafrul said.
On that occasion Airlangga affirmed that ASEAN's position in the Indo-Pacific is very important, and can even be a major force to promote regional economic strengthening in the region.
MITI Tengku Zafrul and Menko Airlangga agreed that at a time when the global economy is in turmoil, ASEAN's voice needs to be louder.
As is well known, Indonesia and Malaysia will use the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to seek mutual trade benefits and pursue various cooperation agreements with the US.
Airlangga stressed the need for synchronization between ASEAN countries, because of the 10 ASEAN countries, all are affected by the US reciprocal tariff policy, so it is necessary to collectively build communication and engagement with the US Government.
Both acknowledge President Trump's tariff policies pose a major challenge to global trade dynamics. “While respecting this policy, Indonesia and Malaysia believe in a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship. Both are committed to safeguarding economic interests while maintaining a strong trade relationship with the US,” he said.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika