Indonesia calls for fair trade through WTO revamp

By Pune Media On May 16, 2025

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia reiterated its support for a comprehensive overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) during the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (APEC MRT) meeting in Jeju, South Korea, on Thursday (May 15).

Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged APEC member economies to help revitalize the two-tiered dispute resolution mechanism and reactivate the WTO Appellate Body, which has been inactive in recent years.

“These initiatives are essential for ensuring a fair and reliable trading system,” he remarked at the meeting, according to an official statement cited here on Friday.

Santoso then drew the audience’s attention to the negative impacts of the United States’ reciprocal tariffs on the global trading climate.

The minister stressed that Indonesia, a country that values fairness in trade, views these tariffs as detrimental to its economic standing.

Despite this unfavorable situation, Indonesia remains committed to pursuing peaceful, diplomatic means to identify common ground and reach mutually beneficial solutions rather than resorting to retaliatory measures.

Related news: APEC ministers tackle global uncertainty, prioritize trade renewal

“We believe a retaliatory approach will only worsen global economic uncertainty and instability. Indonesia will continue to prioritize diplomacy and constructive engagements to reach mutually beneficial solutions,” the minister affirmed.

Furthermore, the Indonesian envoy underlined the need for countries to work collectively to address major issues at the WTO, particularly those concerning the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

He called for transparent and inclusive negotiations that align with mandates from the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We believe inclusive, fair, and transparent cooperation is key to strengthening the multilateral trading system. Indonesia stands ready to foster constructive collaboration with all member states to achieve substantial and balanced progress at the upcoming 14th MC,” he stated.

The minister also reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for realizing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, which envisions an open, resilient, dynamic, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

Related news: Trade minister highlights three issues at APEC MRT

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