Jakarta still pursuing FTA with US under Trump

Economic ties: The entrance to the Bank Indonesia headquarters in Jakarta. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said that the government would “try to reapproach” the United States for a bilateral agreement. — Bloomberg

JAKARTA: The government has said it will be pursuing a bilateral trade agreement with the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency, but whether that succeeds will depend on what Indonesia can bring to the discussion table.

Many expect Trump to prioritise inward-looking economic policies, which in trade could materialise in a quid pro quo approach.