Indonesia and China are strengthening their economic partnership as bilateral trade between the two nations has surged to $154 billion. This growth in trade was highlighted by former Indonesian Ambassador to China, Sudrajat, during a recent forum in Jakarta. Trade between the countries has grown significantly from approximately $8 billion, reaching $20 billion by 2010 before hitting its current level. China now stands as Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with trade relations expanding significantly across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as well.
Sudrajat emphasized the importance of accompanying stronger economic ties with closer people-to-people relations and practical cooperation that benefits local communities. He pointed to disaster management as a promising area for collaboration, especially given Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods, forest fires, earthquakes, and landslides. He noted that China’s expertise in disaster prevention and emergency response could aid Indonesia in improving its preparedness and response capabilities.
Beyond trade and investment, Indonesia-China cooperation is also extending into sectors such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and green development. Guan Kejiang, a Chinese media executive, discussed opportunities to align China’s development priorities with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which aims to transform Indonesia into a developed economy by its centenary of independence. He also stressed maintaining regional stability and strengthening international cooperation amid geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism.
Chinese diplomat Zhou Kan described Indonesia and China as influential developing economies and important members of the Global South. He highlighted that both countries continue to deepen their bilateral relations through stronger political trust, deeper economic integration, and expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They are active participants in international forums, including BRICS, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Indonesian investment adviser Noor Sona Maesana Mushonnif acknowledged the contribution of the comprehensive strategic partnership to Indonesia’s mining, electric vehicle, and manufacturing industries. He called for enhanced cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, maritime industries, and high-value-added manufacturing. The discussions at the forum underscored the mutual interest of both countries in broadening their partnership beyond traditional trade, with a focus on technology, sustainable growth, industrial development, and regional cooperation.