ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia and China are entering a new chapter of strategic cooperation.
A series of high-level meetings in Jakarta this week signaled Beijing’s strong interest in expanding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across Indonesia, especially in infrastructure, industrial development, green technology, and digital transformation.
The momentum was marked by a four-eye meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang Huning, at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
A day earlier, Wang also held important sessions with the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and House of Representatives (DPR) to deepen political and parliamentary cooperation.
Prabowo–Wang Huning Meeting: China Ready to Scale Up BRI Cooperation
Wang Huning arrived at the Merdeka Palace to full ceremonial honors, including a traditional Toraja Pa’gellu Dance, underscoring Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. The warm reception set the tone for a constructive tête-à-tête between the two leaders.
During the private meeting, Wang affirmed China’s readiness to expand BRI collaborations in key strategic sectors, including: industrialization and downstream industry development, major infrastructure projects, trade and investment expansion, agricultural technology, fisheries and marine product enhancement, traditional medicine research and healthcare systems, disease control and public health cooperation.
“China is prepared to deepen Belt and Road cooperation, advance industrial and trade partnerships, and enhance the welfare of our peoples,” Wang said.
President Prabowo welcomed China’s commitment, emphasizing Indonesia’s focus on economic transformation, digital innovation, and green industrial growth.
Before joining a working lunch with delegations from both sides, President Prabowo presented several symbolic gifts, including a photo of Satrio Wiratama (Rio) — the iconic panda cub representing strong conservation cooperation between Indonesia and China.
Ahmad Muzani: Indonesia–China Relations at the Best Phase in History
The diplomatic momentum began a day earlier when Wang Huning visited the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was received by MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani and all MPR Deputy Speakers.
Muzani emphasized that Indonesia–China relations are now at their strongest point in history, driven by robust collaboration in: investment, bilateral trade, industrial development, socio-cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity.
“China’s investment in Indonesia is substantial, and our bilateral trade continues to grow. Relations between our governments are at an excellent stage,” Muzani noted.
He also praised China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and highlighted the value of mutual learning between both nations.
Muzani pointed to the warm personal rapport between President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping as a key factor contributing to regional stability.
During the meeting, Muzani also briefed the delegation on the constitutional role of the MPR, including authority over constitutional amendments and the inauguration of presidents and vice presidents.
“We believe Indonesia–China relations will continue to advance — not only formally, but also socially and culturally. Today’s visit reinforces our confidence in a stronger future partnership,” he added.
Puan Maharani: Indonesia and China Aligned in Global Multilateral Platforms
Wang Huning also met Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani, who highlighted the shared vision of Indonesia and China in promoting effective multilateralism.
She emphasized that both nations actively collaborate in regional and global forums including ASEAN, BRICS, and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).
On economic relations, Puan noted China’s consistent role as one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners and top investors. In 2024:
Indonesia–China trade reached US$147.8 billion
Chinese investment amounted to US$8.2 billion, making China Indonesia’s third-largest foreign investor
Both countries have also signed agreements on local currency transactions (LCT) and industrial cooperation to strengthen long-term economic integration.
A New Era for Belt and Road Cooperation in Indonesia
This week’s series of meetings send a clear signal:
China intends to expand and deepen Belt and Road Initiative projects in Indonesia, with a sharpened focus on industrial development, major infrastructure, clean technologies, and future-oriented economic cooperation.
Backed by strong political ties, rising trade and investment flows, and warm relations between national leaders, Indonesia and China are entering a strategic moment that could reshape the region’s economic landscape for decades to come. (AT Network)
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