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Indonesia asked to buy US-made drones for surveillance in waters near South China Sea

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump at a world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war in Egypt in October 2025.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump at a world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war in Egypt in October 2025.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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The United States is demanding that Indonesia purchase US-made maritime surveillance drones for use in waters near the South China Sea as a condition for

lowering tariffs

, according to a government document seen by The Straits Times.

The US has offered to reduce the tariff on Indonesia to 19 per cent, down from a threatened 32 per cent.

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