Indonesia Seeks More Equal Economic Ties with China

Indonesia is actively pushing for a more equitable economic partnership with China, aiming to rebalance trade and investment flows. Officials emphasize the need for a more balanced trade structure that grants Indonesian manufacturing, agricultural, fishery, and small and medium-sized enterprise products greater access to the Chinese market.

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A fair partnership should reduce inequality, not strengthen it.

"A fair partnership should reduce inequality, not strengthen it," stated Santo Darmosumarto, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This sentiment underscores Indonesia's desire for cooperation to benefit both nations more evenly. In terms of investment, Indonesia welcomes Chinese capital but expects it to drive national industrial capacity through technology transfer, local workforce development, and job creation.

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We welcome Chinese investment that brings technology transfer, builds local workforce skills, creates quality jobs, and helps Indonesian industry move up the value chain.

The nation is also looking to deepen collaboration in the green economy and digital sectors. Key priorities include developing the electric vehicle ecosystem, battery recycling, solar panel manufacturing, and renewable energy investments. Furthermore, Indonesia and China are poised to strengthen ties in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and innovation, recognizing their potential as major global digital markets. This strategic focus aims to propel both countries forward in these critical growth areas.

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Indonesia and China can jointly become drivers of the future of clean energy through the development of the electric vehicle and battery ecosystem, battery recycling, solar panel manufacturing, and renewable energy investment.