RRI.CO.ID, Shanghai – Indonesia has expressed its full support for China’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2026. This support was conveyed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in Shanghai, China, on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Both countries agreed to leverage this momentum to strengthen regional ties. Key areas of focus include enhancing regional economic integration, driving digital transformation, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), advancing the energy transition, and fostering human resource development.

Ahead of the 2026 APEC summit in China, the two nations agreed to begin identifying concrete economic projects. These preparations are considered crucial, as the forum is expected to host an official meeting between the heads of state of Indonesia and China, according to a ministry press release.

Identifying priority projects early ensures that results can be immediately acted upon or announced during the leaders’ summit. This proactive approach is designed to make the 2026 APEC summit a new milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations.

One specific sector with significant potential for alignment is renewable energy investment, where Indonesia is targeting a solar power generation capacity of up to 100 gigawatts. China’s experience with the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant project serves as a strong foundation for this future collaboration.

Through thorough preparations leading up to the APEC forum, cooperation between the two countries is expected to go beyond mere agreements on paper. Tangible implementation on the ground remains the primary goal for the shared economic well-being of the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia has also reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating regional investors and strategic partners, ensuring that national regulations will continue to support a healthy and sustainable business climate.