ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Marking the historic occasion of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China, President Prabowo Subianto and President Xi Jinping exchanged messages of congratulations and respect. This gesture symbolizes the enduring friendship and deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
President Prabowo emphasized that the relationship, forged over seven decades, stands as a testament to a strong, dynamic, and mutually respectful partnership. In this spirit, Indonesia remains committed to enhancing collaboration through five key pillars: Politics, Economy, Culture, Maritime affairs and Security.
President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rapid development of Indonesia–China bilateral relations and their significance as leading forces in the Global South. He underlined the global impact of the two nations’ cooperation in tackling shared challenges.
Stronger Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, during a press conference in Beijing, stated that strategic collaboration between China and Indonesia is becoming increasingly vital in the face of current global uncertainties.
“Amid growing instability in the global landscape, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Indonesia is more important than ever,” said Lin Jian, Monday, April 14 in Beijing.
He added that both countries are ready to support each other’s national development and jointly pursue paths of modernization and innovation for mutual benefit.
Formal diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China were established on April 13, 1950, making Indonesia one of the first Southeast Asian nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China. However, following political tensions after the 1965 G30S/PKI incident, relations were frozen in 1967.
Diplomatic relations were restored on August 8, 1990, under President Soeharto’s administration, as Indonesia formally adopted the One China Policy.
Since Indonesia’s reform era, bilateral relations have grown closer. Key milestones include:
- 2005: Establishment of a Strategic Partnership
- 2013: Upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- 2015–present: Indonesia’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), notably the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail project
According to China Customs data, total trade between Indonesia and China in 2024 reached USD 147.78 billion, comprising:
- Indonesian exports: USD 71.09 billion
- Imports from China: USD 76.69 billion
This makes China Indonesia’s largest trading partner, surpassing the United States and Japan.
In terms of investment, China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indonesia amounted to USD 8.1 billion in 2024 (up 9.4% from 2023), ranking third after Singapore and Hong Kong.
Future Outlook: Advancing Development and Regional Stability
In his statement, Lin Jian reaffirmed China’s readiness to cooperate with Indonesia in building: Sustainable development, Shared prosperity, Regional stability, A resilient global supply chain and trade system.
This further reinforces the strategic significance of the “Community with a Shared Future” vision between Indonesia and China in both regional and global contexts. (AT Network)
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