Indonesia emphasized the importance of continued U.S. engagement in multilateral institutions and fair global trade during recent high-level meetings on the sidelines of the G20 and the IMF Spring Meetings, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said. 

In discussions involving U.S. officials including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Sri Mulyani noted that the Indonesian government highlighted America's evolving position within multilateral bodies and its shifting approach to globalization.

“We explained the position of the United States in the context of multilateral cooperation and globalization, particularly how it relates to its trade policies and role in institutions like the IMF and the World Bank,” she told a live press conference from Washington DC, U.S. on Thursday evening, Friday morning, April 25, 2025, Jakarta time.

She revealed that Secretary Bessent reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to remain an active member and leader in international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, using these platforms to advance its national agenda.

“According to Secretary Bessent, the U.S. continues to see these institutions as strategic vehicles for its economic policies,” she added.

One focal point was the U.S. push for reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at creating a fairer global trading system.

“The U.S. is currently focusing on various reforms including the reversal of certain global tariffs, which directly affect their trade partners, including Indonesia,” Sri Mulyani said.

Indonesia, she explained, is taking proactive steps to understand and respond to these policy shifts.

“We discussed how to engage through various channels such as USTR and other U.S. departments to clarify expectations and strengthen mutual cooperation,” she said.

She said further that the meetings took place during the South Africa-led G20 engagement and included B20 discussions with international finance ministers. “The goal is to find common ground that reduces global tension and fosters stability. Uncertainty continues to weaken global economic projections, affecting all countries,” she warned.

Sri Mulyani underscored the significance of global cooperation in addressing these issues.

“Globalization must be managed positively. While it has not always been fair, especially to developing nations, even the U.S. now views itself as a victim of globalization’s flaws. That shared realization is a basis for serious reform discussions,” the Indonesian finance minister said.

She concluded by emphasizing Indonesia's commitment to reform under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership. “Our efforts in regulatory reform and economic diplomacy are not only for Indonesia’s interest but also to contribute to a stable global economy. The U.S. has recognized and appreciated this proactive stance,” she said.