TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The president director of PT Freeport Indonesia, Tony Wenas, has reiterated that the company's copper production will continue to adhere to the long-term plan that has been established. Tony made this statement in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in Indonesian copper following the reduction of import tariffs from 32 to 19 percent.
"Mining production cannot be increased abruptly just because of high demand. Mining is planned out in the long term, taking into account environmental factors, safety, and resource capacity. Especially for underground mining, it must be done sequentially," said Tony when met at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Tony also stated that PT Freeport Indonesia will not sell copper ore and concentrate. He explained that the company already has smelter facilities for downstream processing.
Regarding the possibility of increasing exports to the U.S. following the tariff reduction, Tony declined to comment. He emphasized that negotiation and market access are the realm of both countries' governments. "When it comes to access or negotiation, it is not our affair; it's between the Indonesian and U.S. governments. We as a company focus on producing copper safely and sustainably, especially to supply domestic needs," he said.
In a video interview circulating this morning, President Donald Trump stated that Indonesia is known for producing high-quality copper. With the reduction of import tariffs to 19 percent, Indonesian copper has the potential to be exported to the U.S. at a lower cost.
Trump said the U.S. will have full access to Indonesia's copper. He added that the U.S. also doesn't need to pay import duties or any tariffs.
On the same day, Trump also announced a reduction in import tariffs for Indonesian products to 19 percent and 0 percent for U.S. exports. This means that every Indonesian export product will be subject to a 19 percent import duty, while U.S. products entering Indonesia will not be subject to import duties.
Prior to this, Trump also mentioned through a post on the Truth Social social media platform that Indonesia has committed to purchasing U.S. products, including energy worth $15 billion or around Rp244.27 trillion (at an exchange rate of Rp16,293 per U.S. dollar), agricultural products worth $4.5 billion or Rp73.32 trillion, and 50 units of Boeing 777 aircraft.
Editor's Choice: Prabowo Says Trump Invited Him to the US, Jokes About Needing Golf Lessons
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Bank Indonesia Boss Eyes Positive Impact on Financial Market After Trump Tariff Deal
24 menit lalu
Positive impact on the financial market and economic growth is expected from the reduction in Trump's tariffs, according to Bank Indonesia governor.
What Country Has the Most Islands in the World? Here Are the 10 List
45 menit lalu
From the frozen fjords of Norway to the tropical allure of Indonesia, the countries with the most islands reveal just how fascinating our planet is.
Indonesia's Most Congested Cities: Bandung, Jakarta on Top
1 jam lalu
Bandung tops as the most congested city in Indonesia and ranks 12th for the longest average travel time in the world.
Experts on Trump's Tariffs: Indonesia Isn't Heavily Dependent on US Exports
2 jam lalu
Director of Prasati Center, Gundy Cahyadi, said Trump's tariff will not significantly affect Indonesia's export market.
Trump's 19% Tariff Fuels Import Surge, Straining Indonesian Entrepreneurs
2 jam lalu
Experts have revealed several potential risks posed by Trump's decision to reduce tariffs to 19 percent for Indonesia.
Indonesia Faces Potential Surge in Oil and Gas Imports After Trump-Prabowo Trade Deal
2 jam lalu
Imports of U.S. products to Indonesia are expected to surge following the zero percent export facility granted by the U.S. to Indonesia.
Deal Sealed: 19% Tariff for Indonesia as Trump Secures Purchase of 50 Boeing Jets
5 jam lalu
Trump announces a 19 percent import tariff for Indonesia to the US. In return, the US will export various energy, agricultural, and Boeing 777 products to Indonesia.
Russia Unmoved by Trump's 100% Tariff Warning
6 jam lalu
Russia's response to Trump's threat to impose a 100 percent tariff on imports if the war with Ukraine continues.
Indonesians Still Worry About AI, Study Reveals Why
7 jam lalu
Public trust in digital transformation, including AI, is waning due to the increasing cyber threats, especially fraud.
Trump Lowers Tariff to 19 Percent, but Experts Say Indonesia Still at a Loss
8 jam lalu
Trump recently cut import tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32 to 19 percent, but experts say the move still disadvantages Indonesia. Why?
