Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto revealed the outcome of the continued trade negotiations between Indonesia and the United States (US), which have resulted in mutual agreements. According to Airlangga, the US has agreed to grant tariff exemptions on several of Indonesia’s key export commodities, including palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and tea. This development is seen as positive news, particularly for industries previously affected by the 19% reciprocal tariff policy.

Speaking during a virtual press conference from Washington on Tuesday, Airlangga stated that the US had approved tariff exemptions for Indonesia’s flagship products such as palm oil, coffee, and tea.

However, the US also requested reciprocal benefits, specifically seeking access to Indonesia’s critical mineral resources. Airlangga noted that the US is keen to secure access to these strategically important minerals.

For context, critical minerals are resources that play a vital role in a country’s economy as well as its defense and security sectors. These minerals are vulnerable to supply disruptions and currently lack viable technical or economic substitutes.

This classification is outlined in the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) No. 296.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023, which defines the types of commodities categorized as critical minerals. Examples include aluminum, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements.

Prabowo–Trump Meeting Planned for January 2026

The agreement reached by both countries is described as both commercial and strategic, offering balanced economic benefits to Indonesia and the United States. It builds on a previous joint statement that announced a reduction in Indonesia’s reciprocal tariff rate from 32% to 19%.

Following Airlangga’s meeting with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer, both sides agreed on a deadline for finalizing the technical aspects of the trade documents. It is planned that before the end of January 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump will meet to formally sign the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).

Airlangga explained that during the second week of January 2026, technical teams from Indonesia and the US will resume discussions to conduct legal scrubbing and finalize the documents. This process is expected to be completed within one week, with a target window between January 12 and 19. Once all technical procedures are finalized, the agreement documents are expected to be ready for official signing by both presidents before the end of January.

He added that the US side is currently coordinating to determine the most suitable timing for the leaders’ meeting.