Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto returned from a successful state visit to China, bringing back a suite of cooperative agreements and a significant commitment from Chinese investors. Together with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prabowo witnessed the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on November 9, 2024. These MoUs span across critical sectors including maritime economy, mineral resources, and agriculture, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between Indonesia and China.
“President Xi, esteemed leaders, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our relations and working together for the mutual prosperity, peace, and stability of Asia,” Prabowo stated.
New Bilateral Agreements
The signed MoUs cover various sectors, signifying both nations’ intent to deepen their cooperation:
- Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Coconuts from Indonesia to China;
- Technical Working Guidelines for Sustainable Capture Fisheries Promotion;
- MoU on Blue Economy Collaboration;
- MoU on Mineral Resources Cooperation;
- MoU on Green Minerals Collaboration;
- MoU on Water Resources Cooperation;
- MoU on Conformity Assessment Cooperation.
These agreements signal Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable resource management and economic collaboration, with an emphasis on resource-intensive industries like minerals and fisheries.
Boosting Investment and Fighting Poverty
In discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Prabowo highlighted upcoming investment deals between Indonesian and Chinese companies totaling over $10 billion USD. The investments, equating to approximately IDR 156.5 trillion, are expected to create new opportunities and deepen the corporate engagement between the two countries.
“This demonstrates a strong collaboration and growing integration between Chinese and Indonesian companies,” Prabowo commented, expressing hope that the investment influx will lead to further grassroots-level cooperation between Indonesian and Chinese communities.
Aside from economic pursuits, Prabowo also expressed Indonesia’s interest in learning from China’s approach to poverty alleviation. Recognizing China’s rapid advancements in poverty reduction, Prabowo stated his administration’s ambition to intensify poverty alleviation efforts within Indonesia.
“We aim to elevate our efforts to eradicate poverty, and I believe there is much we can learn from China’s experience in this area,” Prabowo remarked.
Advancing Maritime Sector, Indonesia Partners with China on ‘Blue Economy’
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
The visit highlights Indonesia’s expanding role as a strategic partner to China, reflecting a shared commitment to regional development and economic resilience. With China as one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners, the newly signed agreements signify a reinforced bond that promises long-term mutual benefits. Both countries anticipate that these efforts will not only enhance their economies but also contribute positively to stability across the Asia-Pacific region.
These agreements and the investment commitments underscore Indonesia’s strategic importance in regional geopolitics, signaling Prabowo’s intent to position Indonesia as a key player in Asia. As Indonesia and China enter this strengthened partnership, the collaboration could set a precedent for future bilateral relations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
(Becky)
