Prabowo Heads to Malaysia for Idulfitri Visit and ASEAN Coordination on US Tariff Response
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, for an Idulfitri gathering with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, using the festive occasion to coordinate a unified ASEAN response to proposed US tariffs that could severely impact labor-intensive export sectors.
Before departing from Jakarta, President Prabowo addressed a small group of journalists, underlining Indonesia’s firm stance on diplomacy. “Tariff policies will hit labor-intensive export sectors like textiles and shoes. That’s why we must negotiate — as a country and as a regional bloc,” he said.
“This afternoon, I’m flying to Kuala Lumpur to meet Prime Minister Anwar and coordinate ASEAN’s response. We’re also sending the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs to the United States for direct negotiations.”
Separately, the Coordinating Miniater for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto have made it clear that Indonesia would not respond to the potential US tariff hike with retaliatory trade measures of its own, reaffirming the country’s preference for constructive engagement over confrontation.
Prabowo’s visit to Malaysia falls during Idulfitri, the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and is traditionally a time for reconciliation and goodwill. This timing adds symbolic weight to the President’s mission of solidarity and diplomacy.
The Indonesian leader and his limited delegation departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base and are scheduled to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Selangor. From there, they will proceed to Putrajaya for a meeting at Prime Minister Anwar’s official residence in the Seri Perdana Complex.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed the nature and scope of the visit, noting that the President intends to return to Jakarta later the same evening. “Yes, that’s correct. He will meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tonight and return the same night,” Teddy said in a written statement. “It is a courtesy visit during Idulfitri."
President Prabowo holds Prime Minister Anwar in high regard, describing him as a respected senior statesman within the ASEAN community and a long-standing friend. “He served as prime minister before, is older, and has long been a close friend of the President,” Teddy added.
As Indonesia takes the lead in advocating for regional coordination, Prabowo’s visit signals a commitment to economic diplomacy, partnership, and multilateralism at a time when global trade tensions are on the rise.