Foreign Minister Sugiono and Rubio Commit to Stronger Indonesia–US Ties

SEAToday.co, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to deepening their strategic bilateral partnership in areas such as politics, security, trade, and investment during a meeting in Washington DC on Wednesday (4/16).

“The Indonesian government has taken significant deregulation steps to create a more conducive environment for foreign investors,” Sugiono stated, according to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, as quoted on Antara.

Sugiono invited American investors to participate in Indonesia’s critical minerals sector, including nickel, as part of efforts to strengthen global supply chains. He also outlined President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita agenda, which includes food and energy security, downstream industries, and human capital development.

The two ministers also discussed regional issues, including the South China Sea and Palestine, underlining the importance of dialogue and cooperation to ensure regional peace and stability.

On Palestine, Sugiono conveyed Indonesia’s readiness to temporarily host Gaza evacuees.

“The Indonesian government is prepared to evacuate around 1,000 injured Palestinians from Gaza for treatment in Indonesia. Afterwards, they will be repatriated to Gaza,” he said as quoted on Antara.

He reiterated Indonesia’s firm rejection of any attempt to forcibly relocate Gazans from their homeland.

Foreign Minister Sugiono is part of Indonesia’s delegation to the US from April 16–23, 2025, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.

The delegation is negotiating the reciprocal import tariffs postponed by former President Donald Trump’s administration and is scheduled to meet with top US officials including the USTR, State Secretary, Commerce Secretary, and Treasury Secretary.