politic

President Prabowo Meets Anwar Ibrahim, Discusses US Import Tariff Policy

President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed the impact of US President Donald Trump's import tariff policy on ASEAN when the two met for halalbihalal at PM Anwar's official residence in the Seri Perdana Complex, Putrajaya, Malaysia, Sunday. 

The two leaders of ASEAN's founding countries also discussed other strategic issues, including coordinated regional assistance for victims of the earthquake disaster in Myanmar. 

"In the atmosphere of Lebaran which is full of blessings, I have received a visit from my old friend who is also the President of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto this evening," said PM Anwar in Malay as quoted from his official social media in Jakarta, Sunday. 

"We discussed important regional issues, including the impact of the new tariffs imposed by the United States on ASEAN countries, in addition to touching on joint efforts and actions in providing humanitarian assistance to the people in Myanmar who were affected by the recent earthquake disaster," continued PM Anwar Ibrahim. 

Regarding Trump's tariff policy, Anwar did not reveal more details about the contents of his discussion with President Prabowo. On the other hand, President Prabowo has also not revealed the contents of his conversation with Anwar, especially regarding ASEAN's response to Trump's import tariff policy. 

Regardless, PM Anwar emphasized his commitment to maintaining strong brotherhood between Indonesia and Malaysia. "May the spirit of Aidilfitri continue to strengthen the brotherhood and cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia in the name of security and prosperity of the region," said PM Anwar after the meeting. 

In several photos shared by the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office, President Prabowo is wearing a dark brown batik top complete with a cap. Prabowo was greeted by the owner of the house right on the terrace, where the car carrying Prabowo stopped. The two greeted each other, said hello, and immediately walked to the meeting room. 

In the meeting room, President Prabowo and PM Anwar then spoke privately, and after that PM Anwar returned to accompany Prabowo to his vehicle. The two had a brief chat before Prabowo got into the vehicle and continued his journey to Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). In Putrajaya, President Prabowo was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and the President's Personal Secretary Rizky Irmansyah. From the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the President returned to Jakarta on Sunday night. 

US President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025 announced a reciprocal tariff policy for several countries, including Indonesia, which will be effective three days after it was announced. 

Trump's policy was implemented in stages, starting with the imposition of a general tariff of 10 percent for all countries starting from April 5, 2025, then a special tariff for several countries, including Indonesia, starting on April 9, 2025 at 00.01 EDT (11.01 WIB). From the latest US policy, Indonesia is subject to a reciprocal tariff of 32 percent, while other ASEAN countries, the Philippines 17 percent, Singapore 10 percent, Malaysia 24 percent, Cambodia 49 percent, Thailand 36 percent, and Vietnam 46 percent. 

Tag: ASEAN Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Prabowo Subianto