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Indonesia-US Discuss Strengthening Strategic Export System, Reinforcing Commitment To Economic Security

The governments of Indonesia and the United States (US) held the first high-level dialogue on Strategic Trade Management (STM) in Jakarta, Tuesday (20/5/2025). This meeting became the initial milestone for cooperation between the two countries in strengthening the export control system to promote regional security and stability. The dialogue entitled Senior Official Dialogue (SOD) was opened by the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy Heather C. Merritt, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Edi Pambudi, and Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Koba. 

This activity was designed to facilitate the exchange of strategic views and produce a number of recommendations to support the strengthening of Indonesia's export system, especially in preventing the spread of sensitive strategic goods. "The United States is proud to support Indonesia's efforts to build a comprehensive export control system," said Merritt in his remarks. 

"Strategic Trade Management will strengthen Indonesia's economy while creating a safe and prosperous trading environment for the United States and Indonesia," he added. STM as a pillar of economic security Deputy Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Edi Pambudi emphasized that Indonesia and the US have the same view regarding the importance of STM in the context of economic security. "Indonesia and the United States both recognize the importance of STM as a vital aspect of economic security," said Edi, quoted from the release of the US Embassy in Jakarta. He added that strengthening the STM system not only improves Indonesia's reputation as a credible trading partner. But it is also in line with Indonesia's international commitment within the UN framework, especially to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Through the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program, the US Government provides technical support to Indonesia in implementing the STM policy. This program is under the Export Control Cooperation Office of the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, US Department of State. It is known that the EXBS program aims to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the transfer of conventional weapons technology that has the potential to cause instability. This program also seeks to build an effective and responsible national strategic export control system in various partner countries. 

Tag: Indonesia SOD STM