Kuala Lumpur. Indonesia considers US President Donald Trump's tariff blitz as a "wake-up call" for the country to enhance its self-reliance, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono.

Trump has just written to his Indonesian counterpart that he would slap 32 percent tariffs on US-bound Indonesian goods starting next month. Talks are currently underway to appease Trump's wrath. Amid the negotiations, Indonesia sees the latest developments as a wake-up call to build its 

“It’s a wake-up call for Indonesia to strengthen its domestic economy -- one that is independent and less vulnerable to external shocks,” Sugiono told reporters on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Amidst the uncertainties, Sugiono said that President Prabowo Subianto's policies were on the right track. This includes his goal to become self-sufficient in food and energy needs.

He also pointed out how Indonesia had been investing in its human capital, among others, through Prabowo's signature school-feeding program. Since the beginning of the year, the Prabowo government has been rolling out nutrient-rich meals to students across the archipelago.

"This way, we can build an economic power that does not have to rely on others, while also being able to maintain foreign relations," Sugiono said.

According to him, ASEAN foreign ministers did not discuss the tariff issues in depth during the gathering. 

"I believe each member country already has its own negotiation mechanism. But the bottom line is we have agreed to not take any retaliatory measures and focus on strengthening our economy as ASEAN nations," he added.

Add as a preferred source on Google +