Jakarta. The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for refraining from imposing retaliatory tariffs in response to Washington’s recent trade measures, which include a 32 percent tariff affecting Indonesia.

Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, Ibnu Eddy Wiyono, USSEC’s country director in Indonesia, said any counter-tariff from Indonesia could have seriously hindered US soybean exports, which currently supply the vast majority of Indonesia’s soy needs.

“As long as Indonesia doesn’t impose a retaliatory tariff, we’re safe,” Ibnu said. “Initially, we were concerned that the Indonesian government might respond with reciprocal measures targeting US commodities, especially soybeans.”

He commended Jakarta’s decision to pursue dialogue rather than retaliation, saying, “We appreciate the government’s choice to go to the negotiating table instead of matching the US tariffs.”

According to USSEC data, the United States supplies up to 2.6 million tons of soybeans to Indonesia annually, accounting for around 90 percent of the country’s total soybean imports. The remainder comes from Canada, Brazil, and Argentina.

Despite the current stability, US soybean exporters remain wary. There are concerns that Indonesia may resort to restrictions if the US imposes further trade barriers on key Indonesian exports such as palm oil and shrimp.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is currently in the US holding high-level meetings aimed at easing the tariff burden. The Indonesian government has reportedly offered a $34 billion trade deal involving purchases of US goods, including energy products, minerals, agricultural commodities, and Boeing aircraft.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sugiono, speaking at a meeting with ASEAN counterparts in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, described the sweeping US tariffs as a call for Indonesia to accelerate efforts to build a more self-reliant economy.

“It’s a wake-up call for Indonesia to strengthen its domestic economy -- one that is independent and less vulnerable to external shocks,” he said.

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