China-Indonesia Monthly Brief: January 2025

• Indonesia Officially Becomes Southeast Asia’s First BRICS Member: On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Brazilian government announced that Indonesia has officially become a full member of BRICS, an economic bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This decision was agreed upon by consensus by all BRICS members at the 2023 Summit in Johannesburg. Although the approval was given in 2023, Indonesia officially joined after President Prabowo Subianto took office in October 2024.

• Indonesia and China launch logo for 75 years of bilateral relations: On Tuesday, January 7, 2024 Diplomats from Indonesia and China launched a logo to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The logo is the work of an Indonesian youth named Angkasa Poetra who was the winner of a design competition organized by the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing, and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).

• Chinese Coast Guard and Indonesian Coast Guard hold first High Level Meeting in Beijing: At the invitation of the China Coast Guard (CCG), a delegation of the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) led by Vice Admiral Dr. Irvansyah visited China on January 7 to 11, 2025. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two coast guard agencies, as well as discuss various issues related to the supervision and security of marine areas. On Wednesday, January 8, 2024, a delegation of Bakamla RI led by the Head of Bakamla RI Rear Admiral TNI Irvansyah arrived in Beijing, China, during the visit the Indonesian Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) held discussions on the follow-up of the agreement between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping, especially in marine security and shipping safety in the region.  On Friday, January 10, 2024, the Head of the Indonesian Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) Rear Admiral TNI Irvansyah paid a visit to the China Coast Guard (CCG) 3rd Bureau Headquarters in Guangzhou, China.

• Defense Minister discusses joint training plan between TNI and Chinese military: On Friday, January 10, 2024, in a meeting that took place between Sjafrie and the Chief of Staff of the Joint Armed Forces of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) General Liu Zhenli at the Ministry of Defense office, Central Jakarta, China and Indonesia discussed plans for military cooperation by holding joint exercises between the TNI and the Chinese military or the People’s Republic of China (RTT). In addition to strengthening diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China, joint exercises carried out can also be useful for honing the combat capabilities of the two countries.

• Danjen Kopassus receives visit from Chinese Military Joint Chiefs of Staff: On Saturday 11 January 2024, Commander General of the Special Forces Command (Danjen Kopassus) Major General TNI Djon Afriandi received a visit from the Joint Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) General Liu Zhenli at Kopassus Headquarters, Cijantung, East Jakarta. The meeting discussed strengthening the defense system in each unit.

• China, UNICEF strengthen cooperation on Indonesia’s free food program: On Monday, January 13, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong met with Maniza Zaman, UNICEF representative in Indonesia, to discuss cooperation between China and UNICEF on Indonesia’s free meal program. The meeting highlighted the agreement signed in December 2024 between the China International Development Cooperation Agency and UNICEF China on food supplementation and feeding in Indonesian schools. This is the first cash-based aid project jointly implemented by China and UNICEF in Indonesia, further strengthening China’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s free meal program. 

• China-Indonesia Film Exhibition 2025 Officially Closes with 2 Best Films: China-Indonesia Film Exhibition 2025 was officially closed on January 16, 2025 at Cinepolis, Senayan Park, Central Jakarta. The closing ceremony featured two stunning films, Personal Persistence and the animated film Into the Mortal World, which received rave reviews from the audience.

• China’s foreign ministry wants to cooperate with Indonesia: On Friday, January 17, 2024, the Minister of China’s Department of International Relations, Liu Jianchao, expressed China’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia in various strategic fields. This statement was made after his meeting with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, at the Golkar Party DPP Office, Slipi, West Jakarta.

• Megawati meets Minister Liu, receives greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping: On Friday, January 17, 2025, the chairperson of PDI Perjuangan, Megawati Soekarnoputri, received a visit from the Minister of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao, along with the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, and other delegates at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta. During the meeting, Megawati received special greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was conveyed through Liu Jianchao. This meeting emphasized the relationship

• China Attaché: Cultural festival gives understanding of Spring Festival: On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the opening ceremony of Discover Indonesian Chinese Heritage in Jakarta, Wang Siping, Cultural Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta, said that the cultural festival could deepen Indonesians’ understanding of China’s Spring Festival. Wang also said that the Spring Festival is one way to enhance cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries.

• FPCI Holds Discussion on the 75th Anniversary of Indonesia-China Diplomatic Relations: On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) together with the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta held a discussion to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China. The event took place at Mandarin Oriental, Menteng, Central Jakarta, and was attended by a number of important figures from both countries, including the Minister of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao. Liu Jianchao said that China invites Indonesia to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative with the aim of creating a better life for the people of both countries.

• Chinese and Indonesian cultural performances welcome Chinese New Year 2576 celebrations in Bali: On Sunday, January 19, 2025, artists from Yunnan Province, China, organized a Chinese art performance in Nusa Dua, Bandung, Bali. The event was held to enliven the 2576 Chinese New Year celebrations as well as a means to introduce and acculturate Chinese and Indonesian cultures.

• Towards WCU, UNJ Graduate School Receives 26 Chinese Students: On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, The Postgraduate School of the State University of Jakarta (UNJ) enthusiastically welcomed the arrival of international class students from China who will take part in the Masters (S2) and Doctoral (S3) programs at UNJ. This welcoming event was held at Bung Hatta Building, 6th Floor, Campus A UNJ.

• Indonesian defense minister discusses military cooperation with Chinese defense minister in Beijing: On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, held a meeting with the Minister of Defense of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or China, Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing. The meeting aimed to discuss and deepen cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries.

• Discuss Investment Opportunities, China-Indonesia Trade and Investment Association Visit BP Batam: On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a delegation of the China-Indonesia Trade and Investment Association paid a visit to the Batam Concession Agency (BP). The visit was received by the Head of the Public Relations Promotion and Protocol Bureau of BP Batam, Ariastuty Sirait, at the Marketing Center Building. The meeting discussed various investment potentials, such as the provision of raw water and the development of basic infrastructure to support the investment climate in Batam.

• One Trainset of New KRL Imported from China Arrives in Indonesia, Operates After Dynamic Tests: On Friday, January 31, 2025, PT KAI Commuter received the arrival of one new KRL trainset consisting of 12 trains at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. This trainset was imported from CRRC Qingdao Sifang, China, and is part of KAI Commuter’s efforts to improve services in line with the increasing number of commuter line users.

• KCIC increases Whoosh high-speed train trips to 62 per day: PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) will provide additional regular Whoosh train trips from the previous 48 trips per day to 62 trips per day starting from February 1, 2025. This step was taken in line with the increasing number of Whoosh passengers.

• Parigi Moutong is ready to become a major exporter of durian to China: Acting Parigi Moutong Regent Richard Arnaldo has revealed that his regency is ready to become a major exporter of durian to the global market, especially the Chinese market. Richard Arnaldo explained that Parigi Moutong had played in the export market a few years ago, where regional products were exported to Thailand after which they entered China. 

• Indonesian Embassy in Beijing focuses on balancing role to face geopolitical challenges: The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing will focus on the balancing role of Indonesian diplomacy in facing geopolitical challenges. Deputy Chief Representative of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing, Parulian Silalahi said that the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing focuses on bilateral relations with China where China is also a ‘global player’ in various international forums.

• Unhas-China IT company develops smart campus: Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has collaborated with PT HITS, which is one of the Ruijie Companies engaged in information technology products from China in an effort to develop Unhas as a Smart Campus. 

• RI school supervisors strengthen capacity, learn about China’s NEFU program: Indonesian school supervisors have successfully developed their capacity in three main areas, namely educational leadership, global insight, and deep learning. This development was carried out through the Winter Leadership Program organized by the Northeast Forestry University (NEFU) in China, with the support of the Chinese Ministry of Education.

• Unhas-Fujian Normal University presents Unhas Center in China: Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and Fujian Normal University (FNU) have established strategic cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi field which includes the establishment of the Unhas Center at FNU, Fuzhou, China.

• KIT Batang: Chinese investors invest Rp600 billion: PT Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KIT), Central Java, has said that a Chinese investor, PT Elecmetal Longteng Indonesia, has invested Rp600 billion in its area. 

• Chinese mobile brand Honor announces its entry into the Indonesian market: Chinese smartphone and smart device manufacturer Honor has announced plans to enter the Indonesian market in the first quarter of 2025. The company has seen the huge potential of the Indonesian market which is supported by high economic growth.

• 83 Indonesian employees complete specialized training in Hebei, China: A total of 83 Indonesian employees and professionals have completed the “Specialized Training Program for Indonesian Workers” at the Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Hebei province, China. The trainees are employees of PT Risun Wei Shan Indonesia, a coal company with products including coke, chemicals and PT Dexin Steel Indonesia (Delong) which is engaged in mining, iron and steel. Both are Chinese Foreign Investment (PMA) companies that have invested in Indonesia.

• China looks forward to Indonesia’s active contribution as BRICS permanent member: China welcomes and looks forward to Indonesia’s active contribution as an official member of the BRICS group. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Indonesia’s formal entry into BRICS is in the common interest of BRICS countries and the global-south and China is confident that Indonesia will make active contributions to the development of BRICS.

• LPOI discusses cooperation in strengthening halal ecosystem with Chinese Ambassador: The Institute for the Propagation of Islamic Organizations (LPOI) has held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong to discuss various economic fields, one of which is cooperation in strengthening the halal ecosystem between the two countries.

• Bali Health Department asks to anticipate Chinese nationals who come with a fever: The Head of the Bali Health Office (DHO), I Nyoman Gede Anom, instructed the strengthening of security at the entrance to Bali as an anticipatory measure against the potential entry of Chinese citizens who arrived with a fever. This is in response to the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, which has become a global health concern.

• Ministry of Health sends 27 doctors to China and Japan to study cardiovascular medicine: The Ministry of Health has sent 27 specialist doctors to study in China and Japan in a fellowship program to strengthen cardiovascular services in Indonesia, given that in the country the disease has killed hundreds of thousands of people every year. 

• Rosan: RI-China joint venture to build fisheries system in Maluku and Papua: Investment and Downstream Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan P. Roeslani said that Indonesian and Chinese entrepreneurs will jointly invest to build an integrated fisheries system in Maluku and Papua. The commitment is worth 460 million US dollars, which Rosan has received from Chinese company Zhuhai Hongwan Ocean Fisheries and reported to President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta.

• Xpeng to enter Indonesian market early this year: Xpeng, an electric car brand from China, will officially enter the Indonesian market early this year through a strategic partnership with Erajaya as its sole agent. Erajaya will present two advanced electric car models, the Xpeng G6 and Xpeng X9, which offer cutting-edge technology and high energy efficiency.

• Wuling Cloud EV and Binguo EV batteries are now produced in Cikarang: On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Chinese automotive brand Wuling officially started local production of electric car batteries at its factory located in Cikarang, West Java Province. This strategic step is a form of Wuling’s long-term commitment in supporting the development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Indonesia.

• KY will investigate the acquittal of Chinese national in mining case: The Judicial Commission (KY) stated that it is investigating the acquittal verdict handed down by a Pontianak High Court Judge against Yu Hao, a Chinese citizen involved in a 774 kg illegal gold mining case. This verdict raised public attention because Yu Hao had previously been found guilty at the first court level.

• Immigration Hunts Viral Chinese National Allegedly Bribing Soetta Officer: Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto said he was hunting for a Chinese national who uploaded a video to social media, claiming to have bribed immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta). In the video, the Chinese citizen said he managed to pass the inspection by giving money to the officer. Agus suspected that the Chinese citizen’s motive for uploading the video to social media was to embarrass Indonesia.

• Chinese Tourist Slips IDR 500,000 to Get the Green Line at Indonesian Airports: A video uploaded by the TikTok account @stellaroptic888 has attracted widespread attention on social media. The video shows a Chinese tourist showing how to get the Customs green line when entering Indonesia by allegedly bribing officers. In the video, the foreign tourist puts bills of Rp 100,000, totaling Rp 500,000, into his passport as a form of bribery.

• Bahlil Lahadalia welcomes Chinese envoy, discusses strengthening Indonesia-BRICS cooperation: Chairman of the DPP Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, received an important visit from a Chinese government delegation led by Minister of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao, at the DPP Golkar Party office. The meeting discussed various strategic issues aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and China.

• Hino Complains about Flood of Chinese Trucks in Indonesia: The influx of Chinese trucks into Indonesia that allegedly operate without fulfilling regulations such as type test certificates, STNK, and BPKB is a serious concern for commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino. Production Director of PT Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), Kristijanto Saputra, expressed these complaints in a meeting with Dedi Mulyadi, who will soon serve as Governor of West Java.
  
• New Chinese Brand Denza Launches Next Week in Indonesia: Denza, a premium brand from BYD, will be officially launched in Indonesia on January 22, 2025 in Jakarta. This information was confirmed through an official invitation distributed by BYD Motor Indonesia to the media, which marks an important step in BYD’s expansion in the premium automotive market in Indonesia. This launch is also in accordance with previous statements from BYD Asia Pacific representatives who revealed that Denza will enter the Indonesian market in early 2025. 

• Indonesia-China Tourism Remains Stable Amid HMPV Virus Issue: The Indonesian Ministry of Health is taking seriously the news of the outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus reportedly spreading in China. However, the Ministry of Health ensures that to date, there have been no significant reports of HMPV cases in Indonesia. The government also continues to closely monitor the situation through coordination with global health authorities, including WHO, as well as strengthening surveillance protocols at international ports of entry.

• Oxygen Gas Filling Depot of PT Hong Qiao Gas Indonesia Owned by Chinese Foreigners Allegedly Operating Illegally in Ketapang: The oxygen cylinder refilling depot PT Hong Qiao Gas Indonesia, owned by a foreign national from China, is reportedly allegedly operating illegally in Pagar Mentimun Village, Matan Hilir Selatan (MHS) District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan Province. This issue surfaced after it was alleged that the depot’s operations did not meet the procedures or regulations set by the Indonesian government, both in terms of licensing, security, and other operational standards.

• RI Partners China to Develop Battery Copper Foil Processing Plant: Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), together with Nuode New Materials Co., Ltd (China), China Hualong International Construction Corporation (SINORON), and PT Sentosa Laju Sejahtera (SLS), have signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) regarding the development of a Copper Foil Battery Processing Plant in Indonesia. This agreement is a strategic step to strengthen the supply chain of the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries in Indonesia.

• Bandung’s Matoa watch business closes due to Chinese products: Matoa, a local brand from Bandung known as the pioneer of wooden watches in Indonesia, made the surprising decision to stop production after 12 years of operation. This decision came about due to fierce competition with similar products from China that offer more affordable prices and utilize a larger scale of production.

• Reliable factory has no problem sewing Chinese cars in Indonesia: The presence of PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM) as a General Assembler provides significant benefits for Chinese manufacturers who want to enter the Indonesian market. With HIM, Chinese manufacturers do not need to spend large investments to open new assembly plants, as they can utilize existing assembly facilities in Pondok Ungu, Bekasi, and Purwakarta Integrated Industrial Park in Purwakarta, West Java.

• UNU signs cooperation agreement with Chinese company, improving education: Jingmen City in central China’s Hubei Province has established cooperation with Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Yogyakarta through promising collaborative projects. Recently, UNU Yogyakarta signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jingmen-based GEM Co., Ltd. The MoU aims to advance cooperation in the field of higher education.

• Suspect in dating app scam earns Rp5-7 million: Online fraud cases with the mode of dating applications are increasingly prevalent in Indonesia. Previously, in January 2024, Bareskrim Polri succeeded in dismantling an electronic fraud syndicate with the mode of “love scamming” through online dating applications such as Bumble, Tantan, and Tinder. In the operation, 21 people were secured, consisting of 19 Indonesian citizens and 2 foreigners from China. The perpetrators pretended to be looking for a partner on the application to deceive victims, with a total profit of IDR 50 billion.

• BRIN Survey Reveals China – Indonesia Relationship is Very Close and Very Relevant for ASEAN: The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) revealed that the Indonesian government views the relationship with China as very close, which has been established since the era of the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. This was conveyed by the Head of BRIN’s Legal Research Center, Emilia Yustiningrum, when responding to the results of the ASEAN Peoples’ Perceptions Survey (APPS) conducted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI). The survey states that China is seen as the most relevant partner for ASEAN’s future.