Indonesia, China Reaffirm Commitment to Deepen Economic Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian National Economic Council (DEN) Chair Luhut Binsar Panjaitan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China, particularly through increased investment and the development of value-added industries.

Luhut conveyed this during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Jakarta on Friday, August 21, 2026.

“Cooperation between the two sides, particularly investments by Chinese companies in Indonesia, has made a significant positive contribution to economic development and the improvement of the Indonesian people’s welfare,” Luhut said, as quoted by Antara in Jakarta on Sunday, August 23.

He noted that Indonesia seeks not only to maintain collaboration in traditional sectors such as energy and minerals, but also to expand partnerships in green energy, artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and biotechnology.

Through cooperation between DEN and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), both sides plan to develop a long-term roadmap for several initiatives, including high-speed rail, green energy development in North Kalimantan, and poverty alleviation programs.

Additional opportunities are also emerging in AI and GovTech, as well as in the development of safe Herbal and Horticultural Science and Technology (TSTH2) for biodiversity research and health technology. Luhut believes that combining the strengths of both countries can serve as a vital foundation for expanding economic partnerships.

“Indonesia always welcomes Chinese companies to come, invest, and develop their businesses in Indonesia, and will certainly provide a fair and friendly business environment for them,” Luhut said. He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is built on mutual respect, trust, and brotherhood.

“Indonesia–China cooperation must not be limited to grand projects on paper alone. The results must be concrete: creating jobs, transferring technology, and raising the standard of living for our people,” he said.

During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hope that Indonesia would continue to provide a safe, stable, and conducive business environment for Chinese companies. He said China remains committed to encouraging its companies to increase investment and expand their operations in Indonesia.

Wang Yi noted that cooperation between the two countries has contributed to each nation’s development while serving as a model of mutually beneficial partnership for countries in the Global South.

“China is a trusted strategic partner of Indonesia, with a long-term and stable relationship supporting Indonesia’s development and revitalization,” Wang Yi said.

He added that countries in the Global South are experiencing a collective rise, with China and Indonesia being among the most important representatives.

Their geographical proximity, complementary economies, and consistent commitment to friendly policies, he said, provide momentum, favorable conditions, and strong people-to-people ties for deepening cooperation.

Luhut said Indonesia–China relations are grounded in mutual respect, trust, and deep friendship.

“Cooperation between the two sides, particularly investments by Chinese companies in Indonesia, has made an important positive contribution to economic development and the improvement of the Indonesian people’s welfare,” he said.

He added that Indonesia will strengthen traditional cooperation in energy and minerals while expanding collaboration in new strategic industries such as green energy, AI, the digital economy, and biotechnology.

“Indonesia always welcomes Chinese companies to invest and develop their businesses in Indonesia, and will certainly provide a fair and friendly business environment for them,” Luhut said.

He also said DEN strongly supports efforts to deepen cooperation across various sectors and will continue working to contribute to shared development and prosperity.

Luhut described the partnership between the two countries as a bond of friendship, strengthened through frequent meetings and dialogue that build trust and expand opportunities for cooperation.

He said discussions with Wang Yi are always warm and substantive. “Today we discussed our commitment to maintaining the continuity of our strategic cooperation. I emphasized that Indonesia–China cooperation must not stop at grand projects on paper. The results must be concrete: creating jobs, transferring technology, and improving the standard of living for our people,” Luhut said.

Under the cooperation framework between @dewanekonomi.id and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), DEN plans to develop a long-term roadmap for several strategic agendas, including high-speed rail, green energy development in North Kalimantan, and poverty alleviation.

Luhut also said DEN fully supports the first Indonesia–China Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue, which was successfully held.

At the same time, major opportunities are emerging in AI, digital transformation (GovTech), and the development of safe Herbal and Horticultural Science and Technology (TSTH2) for biodiversity research and health technology.

“China has capital, technology, and industrial capacity. Indonesia has resources, biodiversity, a young population, and a large market. If these strengths are combined on the basis of trust, cooperation between these two Global South powers will bring prosperity to both nations,” Luhut said. ***