Indonesia hopes for lower tariff rate in deal with U.S, official says

JAKARTA, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Indonesia hopes to secure a lower tariff rate in a trade deal with the United States during a visit by President Prabowo Subianto this week, presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said on Wednesday.

Prabowo arrived in Washington on Tuesday to attend the first leaders' meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace and to sign a trade agreement with the U.S., Indonesian authorities have said.

"Perhaps if we only look at other countries, there are those whose tariff rate was reduced to 18%. Yes, we want to reduce it to 18%, but it is not up to us to decide," Prasetyo told reporters.

"It is possible that the good relationship between the two leaders may lead to policy changes," he added.

Last year, Indonesia reached an agreement with Washington that set tariffs on its exports to the U.S. at 19%, down from an initial rate of 32%.

Prabowo is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump and attend an economic forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Indonesia's cabinet secretary has said that Prabowo's meeting with Trump will focus on strengthening ties and boosting strategic cooperation, especially through the trade agreement.