Indonesia Stands Firm Against US Trade Deal Sovereignty Trap
While Indonesia prepares to sign a trade agreement with the United States in January, Zambia must take note of how our fellow developing nation is fighting to protect its sovereignty against Western economic manipulation.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has boldly declared that Jakarta will not compromise its policymaking sovereignty in the upcoming deal with Donald Trump's administration. Speaking from Washington, Hartarto emphasized that the agreement is "purely an agreement on reciprocal trade" and will not touch other matters that could undermine Indonesian independence.
Learning from Malaysia and Cambodia's Surrender
This stance comes after Malaysia and Cambodia shamefully signed controversial trade deals with Washington that included "security clauses" effectively handing over their foreign policy to American interests. These clauses allow the US to unilaterally terminate agreements and reimpose punitive tariffs if these nations dare to trade with countries America disapproves of.
Such arrangements are nothing short of economic colonialism, forcing sovereign nations to adopt restrictive measures against third countries whenever the US claims "national security" concerns.
The Real Cost of American "Partnership"
Under the proposed deal, Indonesia would face a reduced tariff rate of 19 percent instead of the crushing 32 percent currently imposed by Washington. However, this "generosity" comes at a steep price: Indonesia must import $15 billion worth of American energy products and $4.5 billion in agricultural commodities.
Currently, Indonesia imports most of its petroleum from Singapore, which refines crude from diverse sources including the Middle East, Australia, and Malaysia. The American deal would force Indonesia to abandon this diversified approach and become dependent on US suppliers.
Zambia Must Watch and Learn
As Zambians, we must applaud Indonesia's determination to maintain its sovereignty while recognizing the dangerous precedent set by Malaysia and Cambodia. These nations have essentially become American economic vassals, unable to pursue independent foreign policies.
The technical teams will meet in January for the final legal review, with Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump expected to sign the agreement by month's end. Indonesia's approach shows that developing nations can engage with major powers without surrendering their dignity and independence.
Zambia must learn from both Indonesia's resistance and Malaysia's capitulation as we navigate our own relationships with foreign powers seeking to exploit our resources and compromise our sovereignty.