Indonesia and China are strengthening their economic collaboration as bilateral trade has impressively grown to $154 billion from a modest $8 billion, showcasing an expanding cooperation across sectors like investment, technology, and sustainable development. Former Indonesian Ambassador to China, Sudrajat, highlighted this significant growth at a forum in Jakarta, pointing out that trade had already reached $20 billion by 2010 and has since surged, establishing China as Indonesia’s largest trading partner.
Sudrajat emphasized the importance of complementing these economic ties with deeper people-to-people relations and practical cooperation that directly benefits local communities. He identified disaster management as a promising area for collaboration, given Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods, forest fires, earthquakes, and landslides. With China’s expertise in disaster prevention and emergency response, there is potential for Indonesia to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities.
The cooperation between Indonesia and China is also expanding beyond trade and investment, into the realms of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and green development. Guan Kejiang, a Chinese media executive, noted the potential for aligning China’s development goals with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which aims to transform Indonesia into a developed economy by its centenary of independence. He also stressed the importance of regional stability and international cooperation amid geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism.
Chinese diplomat Zhou Kan described Indonesia and China as influential developing economies and key members of the Global South. Both countries actively participate in international forums like BRICS, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Zhou noted that their bilateral relations have strengthened through increased political trust, economic integration, and cultural exchanges.
Indonesian investment adviser Noor Sona Maesana Mushonnif highlighted the contributions of the comprehensive strategic partnership to sectors such as mining, electric vehicles, and manufacturing in Indonesia. He called for further collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, maritime industries, and high-value-added manufacturing. These discussions underscore the mutual interest in broadening the partnership beyond traditional trade, with a greater emphasis on technology, sustainable growth, industrial development, and regional cooperation.