Jakarta. Indonesia and the US have agreed to step up their tariff negotiations ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline, according to Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto.

Airlangga is currently in Washington, DC to meet US President Donald Trump's team over the looming 32 percent tariffs. He had just held talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday local time. His visit came just a few days after Trump wrote to President Prabowo Subianto that he would impose 32 percent import duties on Indonesian goods.

According to Airlangga, Indonesia was among the first countries that the US government received to have the next round of tariff talks. The Indonesian government said that this showed how both sides shared a strong commitment to maintaining trade relations.

During the meeting, Airlangga told the American officials that the negotiation process had been constructive. The talks had also covered issues of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, digital economy, economic security, commercial and investment cooperation. The two governments had also agreed to intensify tariff negotiations over the next three weeks to ensure the best outcome for both parties.

"We have a common understanding with the US regarding the progress of the negotiations. Going forward, we will continue to strive to conclude these negotiations based on the principle of mutual benefit," Airlangga was quoted as saying in a press statement.

According to Airlangga, Indonesia intends to improve its commercial ties with the US. Just last week, Indonesian companies in the agriculture and energy sectors inked a string of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with American business partners. The deals revolved around purchasing American products, among others. 

Both sides also see a significant potential to expand cooperation in critical minerals.

"The US has shown strong interest in strengthening partnerships in critical minerals. Indonesia has large reserves of nickel, copper, and cobalt. We need to optimize the potential for cooperation in processing these critical minerals," Airlangga said.

Indonesia will continue negotiations with the US in good faith, ensuring that the cooperation will provide tangible benefits to both countries, according to Airlangga.

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