Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has dismissed speculations that it is targeting certain countries with its plan to impose import duties of up to 200 percent on certain products.
"We are not targeting any particular country, especially China. All measures are taken based on our national interest," Luhut said in Jakarta on July 6.
Luhut explained that one step that has been taken so far is the extension of tariffs already imposed on several textile products. These tariffs apply to all imported goods, regardless of their origin, according to Antara News.
Luhut emphasized that China remains a crucial strategic and comprehensive partner for Indonesia in trade and investment and Indonesia is committed to maintaining this relationship through ongoing communication and dialogue regarding policy changes.
Previously, Indonesia's Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan proposed imposing import duties of up to 200 percent on textile products, specifically mentioning China, as a means to protect its domestic industries such as textiles, according to media reports.
The comments drew concerns over potential tensions between the two important trading partners in the region.