Indonesia, China Urged to Pursue Balanced Economic Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Director General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said that the Indonesian government is promoting more balanced economic relations with China by strengthening the green economy, digital transformation, food security, and industrial capacity building.

“Indonesia and China can secure a shared clean future through electric vehicles, battery ecosystems, and sustainable energy investments,” Santo said at the 2026 China–Indonesia Think Tank and Media Forum in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that cooperation on the green economy and downstream processing of critical minerals must be built on responsible supply chains and adherence to environmental and social standards agreed upon by both countries.

Beyond the green economy, Santo highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration in the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation. This includes developing digital infrastructure, e-marketplaces, online lending services, and ensuring the responsible use of AI.

He also called for expanding partnerships in food and energy security through joint research, technology investment, and broader market access for Indonesian agricultural and fisheries products.

In the manufacturing sector, Santo said Indonesia aims to improve human resource quality, vocational education, and technology transfer to enhance the competitiveness of national industries. The government hopes Indonesian products -- including agricultural commodities, fishery products, and MSME goods -- will gain wider access to the Chinese market.

“Indonesia remains open to Chinese investment, but such investment must go hand in hand with technology transfer, skills development for local workers, and the creation of quality jobs to help Indonesian industries move up the value chain,” he added.

Santo stressed that Indonesia–China relations should continue to be built on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to sovereignty and international law.

“We are confident that the well-established and forward-looking Indonesia–China relationship can serve as a good example of South–South cooperation and contribute to creating a more balanced, inclusive, and fair global order,” he said. ***