In a bid to strengthen ties and foster collaboration, President Xi Jinping of China has expressed China’s willingness to expand cooperation with Indonesia in several emerging industries, including the digital economy, photovoltaics, and new energy vehicles. During a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum, President Xi underlined the importance of this cooperation, as reported by China Central Television, the state media.
One of the significant areas of focus is the digital economy, where both countries see tremendous potential for growth and innovation. Additionally, China aims to enhance its engagement in Indonesia’s agricultural and fishery sectors by increasing imports of these products.
Furthermore, President Xi emphasized the need to deepen integration within industrial and supply chains, highlighting the joint promotion of a “regional comprehensive economic corridor.” This corridor holds great potential for economic development and regional connectivity. Notably, in October, President Widodo inaugurated a high-speed railway project, a flagship infrastructure initiative within the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Indonesia’s capital with the city of Bandung. Despite facing challenges such as land procurement issues, pandemic-related delays, and cost escalations, President Xi referred to the high-speed railway as a symbol of the strong collaboration between China and Indonesia in building the Belt and Road.
President Widodo, in response, emphasized the significance of China as a strategic partner in Indonesia’s national economic development and infrastructure construction. He expressed eagerness to further enhance communication and cooperation between the two nations.
President Xi also stressed the importance of China and Indonesia working together to uphold the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), advance open regionalism, and demonstrate the responsibilities of major developing countries.
As China and Indonesia continue to foster their partnership across various sectors, this collaboration is poised to contribute significantly to regional economic development and promote mutual prosperity.
This development reflects the broader efforts by both nations to deepen their cooperation and strengthen ties in the realms of trade, infrastructure, and technology, underscoring their commitment to regional stability and growth.