On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 The Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) held a meeting at the Bakamla RI Office, Rawamangun, Jakarta, to discuss various issues related to marine security in the region, including in the North Natuna Sea. The meeting is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in maintaining security and stability in waters of mutual concern. In a press release issued by Bakamla RI, which was confirmed by public relations officer Captain Bakamla Yuhanes to ANTARA, it was explained that the Head of Bakamla RI, Rear Admiral Irvansyah, met directly with Deputy Head of the CCG Law Enforcement Department, Senior Colonel Wang Kaiqiang. The main discussion in the meeting focused on issues related to marine security, with special attention to the situation in the North Natuna Sea, which is a strategic and sensitive area.
PT Neta Auto Indonesia (Neta) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bank Central Asia (BCA) to provide dealership financing facilities and a financing platform for Neta Indonesia. The signing of the agreement took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in Jakarta. The partnership is expected to strengthen Neta’s position in the Indonesian automotive market, especially in the fast-growing electric car segment. In addition, the collaboration with BCA will also support Neta’s business expansion goals, making it easier for consumers to access electric vehicles through more flexible financing options.
At a meeting held in Jakarta on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Indonesia and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in terrorism prevention. This commitment was affirmed by the Head of Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Komjen Pol. Eddy Hartono, who stated that capacity building in terrorism prevention is very important for both countries. This cooperation is expected to strengthen joint efforts in dealing with the threat of terrorism, which continues to grow and can have a major impact on security stability and peace.
Chinese coffee and tea drinks have seen a significant rise in popularity in Indonesia in recent years. One brand that has seen great success is Mixue, which since first entering the Indonesian market in 2020, has now opened more than 2,600 outlets across the country. This success has made Mixue one of the most recognizable beverage brands in many cities in Indonesia. A report from Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, revealed that the trend of Chinese coffee and tea in Indonesia is growing, with Mixue being a prime example of a brand that is able to dominate the fast-casual beverage market with attractive product innovations. In addition, Mixue is also well-known for its affordable prices and wide selection of beverages, from tea to coffee, which are favored by a wide range of consumers.
The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), an Indonesian think tank, recently established a partnership with China’s The Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Cooperation (BRIGC) to develop renewable energy and support decarbonization efforts in Indonesia. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding this cooperation took place in Beijing, the capital of China, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The signing was witnessed by China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment and a number of international partners…
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Jakarta Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service (DPMPTSP) Office received a working visit from a delegation of the China National Academy of Governance (CNAG), People’s Republic of China (PRC). The visit focused on a comparative study of public service management at the Jakarta Public Service Mall (MPP). Benni Aguscandra, Head of DPMPTSP of DKI Jakarta Province, warmly welcomed the arrival of the CNAG delegation. In his speech, Benni emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in managing efficient and transparent public services.
On Monday, December 16, 2024, PT VOK Electrical Appliances Indonesia, a Chinese manufacturer of home electronic appliances, started construction of its factory in Kendal Industrial Estate (KIK), Kendal Regency, Central Java Province. The factory is planned to start operating in October 2025. PT VOK Electrical Appliances Indonesia is part of Chuzhou Hanshang Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd. headquartered in Anhui Province, East China. The company has long been known as a manufacturer of a wide range of household electronic appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and other devices.
On 16-17 December 2024, Minister of Investment and Downstream/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, visited China to meet with a number of giant companies involved in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, namely Build Your Dreams (BYD), CNGR New Material, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). This visit aims to oversee the ongoing investment in Indonesia, as well as accelerate the development process of the electric vehicle industry in the country. BYD, CNGR New Material, and CATL are leading companies in the electric vehicle and battery industry, which have a very important role in driving the global transition to clean energy. The meeting with these companies is expected to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and China in terms of investment in the electric vehicle and battery sector, which is a major focus in Indonesia’s energy transition efforts.
Universities in Indonesia and China are working together to establish the China-Indonesia Industry-Education Integration Community which aims to promote in-depth cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and improve the skills of the workforce in accordance with industry needs. This cooperation was initiated by Jakarta State University (UNJ), China’s Wuxi Institute of Technology, and the Indonesia-China Cultural and Educational Exchange Association. The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the cooperation took place at the UNJ Campus, Jakarta, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. In the initial stage, the cooperation involves 24 local universities, 39 Chinese vocational colleges, and 51 Chinese companies. The program aims to create integration between the world of education and industry, so that the graduates produced are better prepared to face the challenges of an ever-evolving job market.
Ayna Shafia Marthunis, a student of MAN 1 Banda Aceh, has been selected to represent Indonesia in an intensive educational short course in China, specifically for madrasa students. The program will run from 18 to 28 December 2024, and Ayna will take part in a series of activities centered on the Guizhou Vocational & Technical College of Water Resources and Hydropower, located in Guiyang Province, China. Ayna, who is currently in class X-1 or Olympic Class at MAN 1 Banda Aceh, successfully passed the selection to join this program thanks to her academic achievements and abilities.
On December 24, 2024 Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) inaugurated the Karawang Whoosh Station in West Java, which is part of the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Rail (KCJB) project. The inauguration was also attended by Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, President Director of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi, as well as the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, and several deputy ministers from the Red and White Cabinet.
From Tuesday, December 24, 2024 to Friday, December 27, 2024, a total of three Chinese Navy warships, namely one landing helicopter dock (LHD) type ship and two frigates, docked at Pier 300-302, Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, as a friendly visit. Head of the Information Service (Kadispen) of the Main Navy Base (Lantamal) III Jakarta Lieutenant Colonel Laut (KH) M. Qomar Syarifudin said the three Chinese warships that docked for four days at Priok were Plans Hainan (31), Plans Liuzhou (FFG 537), and Plans Hengyang (FFG 568).
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia from January to October 2024 reached 1.03 million, which is the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents a significant recovery in Indonesia’s tourism sector, with the volume of visits increasing by 62 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Nonetheless, the figure is still far from the pre-pandemic level of Chinese tourist arrivals, which recorded higher numbers.
Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi (not Sugiono), emphasized that Indonesia’s position and sovereignty in the South China Sea (SCS) has not changed, despite the Joint Statement agreed upon by President Joko Widodo (not Prabowo Subianto) and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This statement had raised concerns that it could give recognition to China’s unilateral claims in the disputed area.
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan expressed his concern about the impact of China’s economic slowdown on the Indonesian economy. In a forum held at the State Administration Institute (LAN), Luhut explained that China, which is one of Indonesia’s main trading partners, is currently facing economic challenges. To address this, the Chinese government has launched an economic stimulus of US$3.4 trillion, which is equivalent to around 19 percent of China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Chinese supply chain service provider Jingdong Industrials, affiliated with e-commerce giant JD.com, recently held its first Business Partner Conference in Indonesia. The event took place this week and was an important moment for the company to introduce itself and forge partnerships with local companies in Indonesia. During the conference, Jingdong Industrials reached a number of cooperation agreements with Indonesian companies. The main goal of these collaborations is to expand and strengthen local supply chain integration in Indonesia, particularly in terms of goods distribution and logistics.
BYD, an automotive company from China, has achieved remarkable sales in the Indonesian market by selling 13,866 units of electric cars in a short period of time, namely in just five months. With this achievement, BYD is now the best-selling electric car in Indonesia, based on the latest wholesale sales data released by the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo). This achievement is particularly significant as BYD accounts for more than a third of total electric car sales in Indonesia from January to November 2024.
Bunda Mulia University Jakarta and Dian Nuswantoro University Semarang recently established a strategic partnership with ChineseRd, a Mandarin language education institution based in Shenzhen, China. This cooperation aims to improve the quality of education and prepare Indonesian talents to compete at the global level, especially in mastering Mandarin, which is increasingly important in an increasingly internationally connected world. Some of the programs included in this collaboration range from internship programs, seminars/training, research and competency activities.
Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza believes that the development of flying taxis and floating buses in the future can be an innovative solution to connectivity problems in Indonesia, especially in the islands and remote areas. This was conveyed by Faisol when receiving a visit from PT Chery Motor Indonesia at the Ministry of Industry Office. The meeting discussed the plan of Chery Motor, a Chinese automotive company, to introduce advanced public transportation, such as flying taxis and floating buses, which can overcome the geographical challenges of Indonesia, which consists of thousands of islands. With this technology, connectivity between regions is expected to be more efficient, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional transportation.
Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto stated that cooperation with China is expected to maximize the potential of around 75,000 villages in Indonesia. On the occasion, he emphasized that Indonesia has a lot of potential in the tourism, fisheries, and agriculture sectors, which can be utilized to strengthen international collaboration, especially with China. Yandri Susanto also stated that the Ministry will open as many opportunities as possible for collaboration between villages in Indonesia and outside parties, including China. China, according to him, can play an important role in the trade sector, considering that many villages in Indonesia have superior products ready for export, such as luwak coffee and various other commodities.
The Riau Islands Province Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT) is accelerating fish exports to China directly from the local area, without having to go through Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta. This step aims to simplify and speed up the export process, as well as increase the competitiveness of fish commodities from Riau Islands in the international market. Head of BKHIT Kepri, Veterinarian (Drh) Herwintarti, stated that her office is ready to synergize with Customs and port authorities to encourage local commodities, especially fish, to be exported directly to China on demand. Herwintarti added that this initiative is expected to not only facilitate the export process, but also have a positive impact on the economic growth of the local community, especially for fisheries businesses in Riau Islands.
The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) will receive a grant from the Chinese government in the form of a high-tech vehicle that will be used as a narcotics inspection device at Indonesian ports. The Head of BNN RI, Commissioner General of Police Marthinus Hukom, explained that the vehicle is equipped with integrated tomography, an advanced technology that can identify illegal goods, including narcotics, hidden both in luggage and in the human body. With this grant, BNN RI hopes to increase the effectiveness in detecting and preventing narcotics trafficking, especially those trying to be smuggled through the port.
The Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of Polda Metro Jaya succeeded in disclosing and arresting the perpetrators of trafficking in persons (TPPO) operating in Tangerang, namely H alias CE (36) female and N alias A (56) male with the mode of mail order bride (MOB), involving Chinese citizens.
Head of the Poverty Reduction Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) Budiman Sujatmiko revealed that the Indonesian government is studying the success of Brazil and China in alleviating poverty to serve as a reference in the development of national policies. According to Budiman, the two countries are considered successful in reducing poverty thanks to two main factors that are very crucial, namely integrated single data and solid coordination between government institutions.
Chinese automotive giants managed to steal the attention of visitors at the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week (GJAW) 2024, which took place for 10 days in Tangerang, Banten Province. In the exhibition, several Chinese automotive brands recorded remarkable achievements with thousands of bookings. Chery, for example, achieved 1,014 bookings, with almost half of them coming from their latest electric car, the J6, which was launched for the first time at the exhibition. In addition to the J6, the Chery Omoda E5, Chery’s electric SUV, also recorded hundreds of bookings, showing the high interest of Indonesian consumers in electric vehicles.
The Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Section of the North Jakarta Immigration Office has arrested and deported four foreign nationals from China who were working illegally in Indonesia. The four foreigners have the initials HS, YJ, SR, and TJ, who are known to be involved in manual labor to build a restaurant in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area, North Jakarta. This action was taken after the Immigration authorities conducted an examination and prosecution related to alleged violations of residence permits and immigration provisions. The four Chinese nationals do not have valid work permits to carry out work activities in Indonesia, so they are considered to have violated applicable regulations.
Secretary of Interpol Indonesia’s National Central Bureau (NCB), Brig. Gen. Untung Widyatmoko, revealed that his office has contacted Interpol China to facilitate the handover of a fugitive involved in an online gambling case. The fugitive has the initials YZ, aka Yan Zhenxing, who is one of the important figures in the international online gambling network that has been identified by the authorities.
The Organization for the Friendship of Islamic Organizations (LPOI) seeks to strengthen relations between Indonesia and China through the “Indonesia-China Islamic Silk Road” initiative, which focuses on strengthening the psychological, historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the Muslims of the two countries. LPOI Chairman Said Aqil Sirodj emphasized the importance of forging and realizing this Islamic Silk Road as an effort to strengthen relations between Muslims in Indonesia and China, and to take advantage of the historical and cultural values that have long existed between the two nations. Said Aqil Sirodj explained that the concept of the Islamic Silk Road is not just physical or economic, but also includes a deeper relationship in the form of psychological and spiritual ties that have been formed through a long history of interaction between Indonesian and Chinese Muslims.
Harsen Roy Tampomuri, a young figure from North Sulawesi, is the only Indonesian representative at a global think tank forum organized by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing, China. The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing through an official statement received by Indonesia Window here on Tuesday, said that Harsen, who is a lecturer and Executive Director of the Center for Geopolitical and Global Studies at Bung Karno University (UBK) Jakarta, attended two main agendas. The agenda includes the 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum and the Global Young Leaders Forum.
PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) stated that they were not involved in the procurement process of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) transportation service providers for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Rail project. This statement was made by KCIC’s General Manager Corporate Secretary, Eva Chairunisa, who responded to the results of an investigation by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU). In the results of the investigation, KPPU alleged an alleged conspiracy in the EMU procurement tender process for the project.
Minister of Investment and Downstream/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani believes that the potential for new investment from China to Indonesia is still very high. Rosan, who was on a visit in China, took the opportunity to promote investment opportunities in Indonesia. During his five-day visit, Rosan visited six cities in China and managed to generate investment commitments from China amounting to US$7.4 billion (around Rp120.7 trillion).
On Wednesday, December 16, 2024, PT Matahari Tire Indonesia, a subsidiary of China’s Zhongce Rubber (ZC Rubber) Group, officially operated its new plant in Kendal Industrial Park, Central Java Province. The plant is estimated to have a significant production capacity of 5 million truck and bus tires, 200 thousand bias tires, 3.5 million motorcycle tires, with a total average production of around 26,455 tons per year. The plant will produce various leading tire brands under the Zhongce Rubber group, such as Westlake, ZC Rubber, Chaoyang, Tianli, and several other brands.
Investment and Downstream Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani admitted that a number of entrepreneurs and potential investors from China are still not fully aware of the incentives offered by the Indonesian government for those investing in the country. This became one of the focuses of Rosan’s five-day visit to China. Rosan, who was accompanied by Deputy for Investment Promotion of the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, Nurul Ichwan, Director of Promotion for East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa of the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, Cahyo Purnomo, as well as Director of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) Beijing, Evita Sanda, and other relevant officials, visited 11 cities in China. The visit aims to promote investment opportunities in Indonesia, explain existing incentives, and introduce various potential sectors that can be explored by foreign investors, especially from China.
Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara Province is looking forward to increased investment from China to support the development of the tourism sector, especially in Mandalika. Mandalika itself is one of the leading tourist destination projects being developed by the Indonesian government. Ari Respati, CEO of PT Indonesian Tourism Development (ITDC), in a recent interview session with Xinhua, expressed his hope that more Chinese investors would be interested in doing business in the Mandalika area in the next five years.
The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing held an event called “Indonesia Connect 2024: Unlocking Opportunities in Business, Investment and Tourism” in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China. The event aimed to introduce and promote various opportunities for economic, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people cooperation between Indonesia and Sichuan Province. Through this event, Indonesia hopes to further strengthen bilateral relations with Sichuan, which has great potential in the fields of economy, tourism and culture. In addition, the event was also part of the preparation for the opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Chengdu, which was previously announced by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi. The opening of the Consulate General in Chengdu is expected to further facilitate and accelerate economic diplomacy and facilitate direct relations between the two countries.
Indonesia’s two-wheeled automotive market is again enlivened by the presence of QJMotor, a new brand from China. QJMotor will begin construction of their factory in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java in February 2025. This factory is expected to support the production of high-quality motorcycles to meet the demand of the Indonesian market, while strengthening QJMotor’s position as a new player in the two-wheeled automotive industry in the country. In addition, QJMotor has also established cooperation with several authorized dealers in Indonesia. This cooperation is expected to accelerate the distribution of QJMotor products in the local market, meet consumer demand, and contribute to the growth of the Indonesian automotive industry. QJMotor’s presence in Indonesia is expected to provide new choices for consumers, as well as create new jobs and increase the competitiveness of the domestic automotive industry.
The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) held a meeting with a number of major electric vehicle (EV) companies from China to accelerate investment in the electric car ecosystem in Indonesia. The meeting was led by Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM, Rosan Roeslani, with several leading companies, such as Build Your Dreams (BYD), CNGR New Material, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). The meeting took place on December 16-17, 2024, during Rosan’s working visit to China. The main purpose of the meeting was to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment in the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia, which includes the production of electric vehicles, batteries, as well as raw materials needed for this industry.
Chinese skincare brands are increasingly in demand by Indonesians, especially since they offer a range of quality products at prices that are very competitive with local brands. The popularity of these brands continues to rise thanks to their effective formulas and attractive packaging, which have managed to attract the attention of consumers in Indonesia. Constant innovation and smart marketing strategies play an important role in the success of these Chinese skincare brands. They have managed to understand the needs of Indonesian consumers for skincare products that are not only effective, but also affordable.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has recently signed a cooperation agreement in the fisheries sector with China, a strategic move that aims to increase the potential of the fisheries sector in Indonesia. Director General of Capture Fisheries at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Lathoria Latif, explained that this cooperation is designed to provide mutually beneficial benefits for both parties, not just for one party. This cooperation has been initiated since three years ago, with China being the first country to offer a mutually beneficial partnership in the fisheries sector.
Konfederasi Sarikat Buruh Indonesia (Sarbumusi) recently gave a presentation on the world of labor in front of 500 investors from China. The event took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, with a special session given by the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (CCCI) to Sarbumusi President, Irham Ali Saifuddin. On the occasion, Irham Ali Saifuddin presented an overview of the situation of the world of work in Indonesia as well as a number of solutions proposed by Sarbumusi. In his presentation, Sarbumusi identified three main challenges faced by the Indonesian labor world, which became the main focus of the discussion, namely First, the educational background which is 54 percent dominated by junior high school graduates and below. Second, challenges related to unorganized workers. Third, the challenge of compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Social Security.
Indonesia is capitalizing on a huge opportunity in the Chinese durian market, which has a demand of up to USD 8 billion, according to Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan. In recent times, Indonesia has started exporting durian to China, a move that is believed to provide significant benefits to both durian farmers and the country’s economy. Zulkifli Hasan highlighted that the growing demand for durian in China opens up an excellent opportunity for Indonesia as a major durian producing country. This provides bright prospects for Indonesian durian farmers to expand their market, increase production, and earn higher incomes.
For the second time, the Indonesia-China Youth Forum held a discussion at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. This time, the discussion forum raised the theme “Economic Development of Indonesia and China from a People-Oriented Perspective.” This theme reflects the focus on how the two countries can develop the economy with an approach that is more prosperous for the people and pays attention to the needs and welfare of the community. The forum featured two keynote speakers, Intan Salsabila Firman, an economic expert who has a deep understanding of global economic dynamics and its impact on domestic economic development, and Harryanto Aryodiguno, an academic from President University who also has expertise in economics and international relations. Both speakers gave their views on the economic relationship between Indonesia and China, and how the two countries can work together to create inclusive and sustainable growth, putting people’s welfare at the center.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, H.E. Wang Lutong, recently visited the JIIPE-Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK), which highlighted China’s strong commitment to strengthening strategic relations with Indonesia, especially in the industrial and investment sectors. This visit shows the increasingly close cooperation between the two countries in supporting Indonesia’s economic development, especially in the East Java region. According to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), China has become one of the largest investors in Indonesia, with total investment recorded at USD 5.78 billion during the third quarter of 2024. This Chinese investment is instrumental in supporting the development of Indonesia’s vital sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Indonesian Luwak Coffee was showcased at the Indonesian Pavilion at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2024, a prestigious event that serves as an important platform to introduce Indonesia’s superior products to the international market. Luwak coffee, known for its unique qualities, was selected through curation by the Directorate General of National Export Development (DGNED) under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia. At the event, one of the civet coffee brands on display was Kopi Luwak Worcas, which was introduced to an international audience, including potential buyers from various countries.
Indonesia participated in the ASEAN Section Film Exhibition and China ASEAN Film & Television Exchange Communication Forum held in Hainan, China, as part of the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF). On this occasion, Celerina Judisari, a representative of the Association of Indonesian Film Companies (APFI), was present to represent Indonesia in this prestigious event. In addition to the discussion forum, the event also featured screenings of films from various countries, including several works of Indonesian cinema that received positive reviews from international audiences. Among the Indonesian films screened were Glenn Fredly, Tulang Belulang Tulang, and Crocodile Tears. These films were chosen for their strong themes and relevance to family values and deep Indonesian culture. Positive responses came from the local community in Hainan who appreciated the screening of these Indonesian films.
- Indonesian Embassy in Beijing Attracts Investors and Tourists from Sichuan, China’s Richest Province
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Beijing recently held a business meeting aimed at attracting investors and tourists from Sichuan, a wealthy province in China. The event was a collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, the Sichuan Provincial Government, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Sichuan. The main objective of the business meeting was to strengthen economic, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people contact between Indonesia and Sichuan Province. During the meeting, various opportunities for cooperation that can be developed between Indonesia and Sichuan were discussed, especially in the fields of economy and trade.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, recently visited the JIIPE-Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK). This visit aims to review the development of national strategic projects (PSN) that have been running since the reign of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). As one of the largest investor countries in Indonesia, China plays an important role in supporting Indonesia’s economic growth, especially in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. During his visit, Wang Lutong reviewed a number of large tenants operating in JIIPE, including PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Hailiang Nova Material Indonesia, and PT Xinyi Glass Indonesia. These three companies are examples of large companies that invest in Indonesia and contribute to the development of the national economy, both in terms of job creation, technology transfer, and increasing domestic industrial capacity.
The latest news comes from the Indonesian National Army (TNI AD), which has just received additional new assets in the form of BAIC BJ40 Plus service cars. In the announcement, the Army received 22 units of BAIC BJ40 Plus which are now formalized as light tactical service vehicles (rantis). The presence of this car is part of the efforts to modernize the Army’s military vehicle fleet, to support various military operations with tough and versatile vehicles. BAIC BJ40 Plus itself is one of the flagship products of BAIC Group, a well-known automotive company from China that has long experience in providing vehicles for military needs. BAIC claims that the BAIC BJ40 Plus has been a reliable service vehicle in the Chinese military environment for decades.
The Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, recently spoke out about the management of village funds in Indonesia. In his statement, Yandri revealed that there are still many village heads who have not been able to utilize village funds optimally, and some have even used the funds not on target. In addition to discussing the challenges in managing village funds, Yandri also revealed opportunities for cooperation with other countries to help accelerate development in Indonesian villages. One of the countries of concern is China. Yandri sees great potential to establish partnerships with China in developing village infrastructure and village-based economic development.
The weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar has indeed had a significant impact on Indonesia’s textile and textile products (TPT) sector. This situation has triggered greater concerns regarding the competitiveness of the local textile industry, especially in the face of increasingly competitive imported products, especially from China. As stated by Chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API), Jemmy Kartiwa Sastraatmadja, the depreciation of the rupiah puts direct pressure on production costs, as the majority of raw materials for the textile industry in Indonesia still rely on imports priced in US dollars.
The statement of Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli regarding the considerable needs of the industry in China for labor in Indonesia, revealed a skills gap between the industrial needs of the two countries. Minister of Manpower Yassierli explained that China requires specific skills that are different from the skills generally possessed by the workforce in Indonesia today. This reflects a big challenge for Indonesia in adjusting the quality and type of skills possessed by the workforce in order to meet the demands of the global market, especially in the highly dynamic and rapidly growing Chinese market.
The Indonesian government is very serious in encouraging the progress of investment cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, which is in line with the downstream agenda, increasing added value, and green transformation. This step is part of Indonesia’s efforts to utilize the maximum potential of natural resources and create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable industry.
n an effort to strengthen international cooperation in the field of food security, Albakri Nurdin, Head of the Traffic and Stay Permit Section, representing the Head of the Bitung Class II TPI Immigration Office, attended the dissemination of Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TCG) between the Republic of Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China. This activity aims to discuss and develop guidelines that will underlie collaboration between the two countries, especially in vital sectors such as food security. This cooperation is very important considering that food security is a global issue that requires attention and joint efforts, including between Indonesia and China, two large countries in the Asian region that have great challenges and potential in the agriculture and food sector.
The Immigration Office of Class I Special Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta) revealed that in 2024, foreign nationals (foreigners) from China will be the group most denied entry into Indonesia. This is based on data collected by immigration officers at Soetta Airport. Bismo Surono, Head of the Soetta Immigration Checkpoint Division, revealed that 108 cases of rejection of Chinese citizens were recorded during the 2024 period.
The Indonesian Shopping Center Entrepreneurs Association (APPBI) voiced concerns regarding the potential flood of products from China in the domestic market. This was triggered by the protectionist policies implemented by the then President of the United States, Donald Trump, against imported products. The policy could encourage China to seek alternative markets, including Indonesia. This situation is further exacerbated by the depreciation of the Rupiah against the US Dollar, which adds to the challenges for local products to compete in the market.
The illegal gold mining case in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, involving a foreign national from China, YH, is a clear example of weak supervision and law enforcement in Indonesia’s mining sector. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noted that a Chinese foreigner, YH, had illegally dug a gold mine in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. It was noted that YH managed to extract 774 kilograms (kg) of gold and 937 kg of silver, which cost the state up to Rp 1.02 trillion.
Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama’s statement on the importance of emulating China in responding to the mysterious pneumonia and respiratory disease surge highlights the urgent need for an improved health surveillance system in Indonesia.
The cooperation between Surabaya International Institute of Business and Technology (SIIBT) and Jiangsu Vocational College of Business in the 2024 Scholarship Program is a strategic step that can strengthen Indonesia-China bilateral relations, especially in the field of education through the 2024 Scholarship Program. SIIBT Director Andre So revealed that the 14 students will join the logistics and e-commerce study program for three years and during the study period, they will receive full scholarships in the form of tuition and dormitory exemptions.
The Made in China 2025 (MIC 2025) policy, launched by the Chinese Government in 2015, is a strategic move to strengthen China’s position as a global leader in high-tech manufacturing. This policy also opens up great opportunities for Indonesia to collaborate, especially in terms of industrial cooperation and technology transfer.
