APINDO Bantul Warns U.S. Tariff Hike Threatens Business Sector and May Trigger Mass Layoffs
Wednesday, 09 April 2025
BANTUL – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the implementation of a 32 percent import tariff on Indonesian products. The policy, unveiled on Wednesday (April 2, 2025), has raised concerns about potential disruption within Indonesia’s business sector.
In response, the Regional Executive Board (DPD) of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO) stated that the policy would have a significant impact on both large enterprises and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
A. Haryo Ismudjihardjo, Vice Chair for Industrial Relations and Organizational Affairs at APINDO Bantul, noted that the tariff increase, coupled with the weakening of the rupiah, would place an even greater burden on business actors.
“If tariffs rise—especially in the current climate where the dollar is also strengthening—this puts enormous pressure on businesses. If not addressed quickly, we fear a wave of mass layoffs,” said Haryo on Wednesday (April 9, 2025).
He added that APINDO is urging the Indonesian government to promptly engage in negotiations with the United States, given the substantial impact the policy could have on the overall business climate.
According to Haryo, not only large companies will be affected, but also MSMEs that actively export their products, including to the U.S. market.
“We hope the government can swiftly resolve the tariff negotiations so this issue does not persist. APINDO’s national stance is clear—this policy must be reconsidered,” Haryo emphasized.
Source: timesindonesia.co.id
