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Expert Predictions On Indonesia's Fate Under Trump's Administration In The United States

Donald Trump officially assumed the presidency of the United States on Monday, January 20.  

This marks a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and other nations, including Indonesia.  

During Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021, trade relations between the U.S. and Indonesia experienced an average increase of 6.85 percent. However, Indonesia is currently joining the economic forum led by Russia and China, known as BRICS. Trump has previously threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on imports from member countries of this organization. 

What, then, is the future of Indonesia's relationship with the United States under Trump's administration? 

Ian Wilson, a political science and international relations expert from Murdoch University, believes there will be significant differences in the U.S.-Indonesia relationship under Trump.  

"It will certainly be different. Perhaps very different. Trump is an extreme individual," Ian stated during a conversation with CNNIndonesia.com on the evening of January 20, local time. 

He further remarked, "The Trump administration will focus on its own interests and will not prioritize Indonesia or the ASEAN region." 

This assessment is reflected in the fact that Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Peter Hegseth, was unaware of ASEAN countries.  

Last week, a video of Hegseth's confirmation hearing went viral on social media. During the hearing, Senator Tammy Duckworth inquired about the Indo-Pacific region and asked him to name a country in ASEAN along with the type of agreement.  

However, Hegseth was unable to specify the number of countries in ASEAN, instead mentioning that the U.S. has allies in South Korea, Japan, and AUKUS. 

Prior to his inauguration, Trump had a phone conversation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during which they appeared to be friendly and jovial.  

Nevertheless, Ian noted that this conversation should not be taken as a definitive indicator of the future direction of relations between the two countries.  

"Both Trump and Prabowo enjoy being praised and share a preference for 'strongman' leadership styles. The content of their conversation was essentially mutual admiration. This could be interpreted as a positive signal, in the sense that their personal relationship does not seem to be negative," Ian explained. 

Tag: Donald Trump