February 17, 2026 | 12:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto embarked on a state visit to the United States on Monday, February 16, 2026, traveling with a limited entourage including Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta to Washington, D.C.
According to the Presidential Secretariat, the visit is part of Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen its position amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
During his trip, Prabowo is scheduled for bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and will attend the inaugural High-Level Conference of the Board of Peace.
Bilateral Trade Agreement
Prabowo and Trump are expected to sign the final Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) during their meeting. The deal reduces U.S. tariffs on Indonesian products from 32 percent to 19 percent while Indonesia will exempt import duties on most U.S. goods.
Certain key Indonesian exports, including palm oil, coffee, and cocoa, will receive tariff exceptions if they are not produced in the U.S., according to Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs spokesperson Haryo Limanseto.
The ART follows months of negotiations after the U.S. imposed a 32 percent import tariff on Indonesian goods in April 2025.
President Trump announced the reciprocal 19 percent tariff in July 2025, and further negotiations led to the current agreement. The signing will also coincide with business and investment forums for entrepreneurs from both countries.
High-Level Conference of the Board of Peace
Prabowo will also attend the first High-Level Conference of the Board of Peace, an organization established by Trump to promote ceasefires and post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in Gaza.
Prabowo signed the board’s charter during its formation in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026.
The conference in Washington on February 19 aims to push for the second stage of a Gaza ceasefire and raise funds for humanitarian reconstruction.
According to Trump, member countries have pledged over US$5 billion (around Rp84 trillion) for these efforts. The board also plans to deploy international stabilization personnel, though several European allies have declined to join.
Indonesia has not yet paid its official US$1 billion (around Rp16.7 trillion) membership contribution, but Foreign Minister Sugiono and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa have indicated the government’s willingness to participate.
The Board of Peace, initially designed to address the conflict in Gaza, has since broadened its mandate to mediate global conflicts, reflecting Trump’s ambition for a wider international role.
Dewi Rina Cahyani, Ervana Trikarinaputri, and Ilona Estherina contributed to this article.
Read: Trump: 'Board of Peace' Members Pledge $5 Billion for Gaza
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