TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Friday, July 17, 2025. Here are the highlights: Indonesia Trade Minister Upbeat Trump Tariffs Will Boost Investment; Observer: Prabowo's Foreign Hospital Plan Welcomed, But Under Great Scrutiny; and 19% US Tariff Reflects Indonesia's Weak Negotiating Power, Analyst Says.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Indonesia Trade Minister Upbeat Trump Tariffs Will Boost Investment
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso believes that the reduction of reciprocal tariffs with the United States to 19 percent has the potential to attract significant investment to Indonesia.
Speaking to journalists at the Trade Ministry office on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Budi said, "We have two things that we can gain: investment inflow, and secondly, an increase in our exports."
Budi highlighted that Indonesia is currently the only ASEAN country to receive such a low tariff from the Trump administration. In comparison, Malaysia faces a 25 percent tariff, Thailand 36 percent, and Vietnam 20 percent.
2. Observer: Prabowo's Foreign Hospital Plan Welcomed, But Under Great Scrutiny
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto announced that the Indonesian government has opened the door for foreign hospitals and universities to operate in the country.
"Over the past two years, we have opened many sectors to foreign involvement," said Prabowo in his meeting with European Council President António Costa in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, as observed through the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.
The former Defense Minister also stressed the importance of cultural and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Europe. He noted that Indonesia's legal system has adopted many influences from Europe.
3. 19% US Tariff Reflects Indonesia's Weak Negotiating Power, Analyst Says
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Suroto, Chairperson of the Association of Strategic Socio-Economic Cadres (AKSES), criticized the 19 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States on Indonesian exports. He argued that the agreement does little to strengthen Indonesia’s economic position.
According to Suroto, the terms highlight Indonesia’s limited bargaining capacity in international trade.
"Instead of strengthening the national economic position, this agreement implies the weakness of our bargaining power and a crisis in our trade strategy direction," he said in a written statement on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
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Government Optimistic About Continued Apple Investment in Indonesia
28 menit lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry said Apple has purchased land in Batam for investment plans.
Indonesian Police Raid Online Gambling Hub Linked to China and Cambodia
1 jam lalu
The police revealed an international online gambling network affiliated with servers in China and Cambodia and carried out raids in several locations.
Palace Unconcerned by Public Debate on U.S.-Indonesia Tariff Policy
1 jam lalu
In response to U.S. tariffs on Indonesia, Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro said there are actually always pros and cons to any policy.
Highly Unfair Import Regulations
2 jam lalu
The latest import regulations are unfair and threaten domestic manufacturing industries. They are rife with power struggles.
Patrick Kluivert Talks About Ole Romeny's Replacement in World Cup Qualifiers
2 jam lalu
Patrick Kluivert, the coach of the Indonesian National Team, expresses his disappointment over the broken bone incident that befell Ole Romeny.
Transhipment: What Indonesia Opposes Following Trump's 19% Tariff
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian government refuses to engage in transhipment practices with other countries to comply with the trade agreement with the U.S.
Jens Raven Set to Play for Indonesia U-23 Against the Philippines
6 jam lalu
The physical condition of Jens Raven is said to have improved. He is confirmed to play in the match against the Philippines tomorrow.
19% US Tariff Reflects Indonesia's Weak Negotiating Power, Analyst Says
8 jam lalu
The reciprocal tariff agreement between the US and Indonesia could lead to a trade imbalance and a deficit in the balance of payments.
Prabowo to Launch 80th Independence Day Logo and Theme Today
9 jam lalu
Once released, the public, along with central and regional governments, may display the new 80th Independence Day logo across various media platforms.
Indonesia Trade Minister Upbeat Trump Tariffs Will Boost Investment
17 jam lalu
Indonesian Trade Minister believes that Trump's reciprocal tariff cut has the potential to attract significant investment to the country.
