Concerns Over Trade War: 78% of Indonesians Support Neutral Stance by Government in US-China Rivalry
CELIOS Survey: 44% Believe China’s Infrastructure Projects in Indonesia Have Damaged Its Image 43% of Indonesians Hold China Responsible for Environmental Damage in Indonesia
CELIOS Launches Public Perception Study on China’s Presence in Indonesia 66% of Indonesians Still Believe China Holds a Positive Political Influence in Indonesia
CELIOS Study: 51% of Indonesians Believe China Is Capable of Leading the World
Jakarta 14 November 2024 – The China-Indonesia Desk at the Center for Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) has released the “China-Indonesia Survey 2024,” a survey involving 1,414 respondents, aimed at providing deeper insights into the evolving dynamics of Indonesia’s relationship with China, particularly at this critical juncture following Indonesia’s leadership transition under President Prabowo Subianto.
As two of Asia’s most influential countries, Indonesia and China have developed increasingly intensive bilateral ties over the past few decades. This is reflected in their significant economic cooperation, particularly under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious project launched by China. The Chinese government has made substantial investments in infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, and other key sectors. Despite the strong economic ties, Indonesia faces major challenges in balancing dependence, sovereignty, and geopolitical issues in its relationship with China.
Zulfikar Rakhmat, Director of the China-Indonesia Desk at CELIOS, stated that the 2024 China-Indonesia Survey highlights the growing complexity of Indonesia’s relationship with China. According to the survey, 58% of respondents suggest that the Indonesian government should enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation. This indicates that there is still significant work to be done in strengthening the bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sector. While the Indonesian government acknowledges the substantial economic benefits from China, it is important to continue fostering mutually beneficial cooperation while safeguarding Indonesia’s sovereignty and national interests.
“Indonesia’s drive to strengthen its role on the global stage is commendable, but it is equally crucial to manage international partnerships with care, especially in addressing concerns over excessive dependence and the potential for political influence,” said Zulfikar.
Furthermore, Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director at CELIOS, emphasized the survey’s findings regarding Indonesia’s position amid the US-China rivalry. “This survey underscores the importance of Indonesia navigating its position amidst increasing geopolitical competition. The fact that 78% of Indonesians support a neutral stance in the US-China rivalry reflects a strong desire to maintain national autonomy in foreign policy. In addition, as China’s influence expands, especially in the sectors of investment and trade, 51% of respondents expressed concerns over China’s economic influence in Indonesia. This is an important note for the Indonesian government to remain vigilant, ensuring that the economic benefits from this relationship do not come at the cost of sovereignty, environmental sustainability, or public welfare,” Bhima added.
Bhima also noted that public perception of China’s infrastructure projects in Indonesia remains problematic. Around 44% of respondents identified Chinese infrastructure projects as having the most negative impact on Indonesia-China relations. “This concern about infrastructure is correlated with 43% of respondents agreeing that China plays a role in contributing to environmental damage in Indonesia. This issue needs to be urgently addressed by strengthening safeguards, promoting transparency, ensuring community involvement, and shifting fiscal incentives towards more environmentally sustainable investments,” Bhima concluded.
Additionally, Bhima highlighted China’s role in regional issues and energy-related concerns. “How does China’s influence manifest in a wide range of regional issues, from Natuna and Taiwan to the energy transition, as reflected in this survey? 66% of Indonesians still believe that China has a positive political influence in Indonesia. 51% believe China is capable of leading the world,” Bhima said.
Yeta Purnama, Researcher at CELIOS, shared, “The survey findings reveal a range of public perceptions, from optimism about the economic potential of China-Indonesia ties to concerns over environmental degradation and cultural influence. While China is seen as an important partner, there are significant concerns about the social and environmental impact of Chinese investments in Indonesia. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Indonesia to engage in more informed discussions and proactive policymaking to ensure that its future relationship with China benefits all stakeholders.”
Finally, CELIOS emphasized their hope that this survey will be conducted annually, to provide valuable insights and foster a deeper understanding among various stakeholders, including government officials, academic researchers, journalists, and the general public. By continuing this initiative, CELIOS believes the survey will serve as a crucial tool for better-informed policy decision-making, enriching academic discourse, and raising public awareness of the evolving dynamics in China-Indonesia relations. Furthermore, CELIOS remains fully committed to continuously monitoring, analyzing, and providing deeper insights into the shifting dynamics between China and Indonesia in the future, ensuring that this research remains a key resource in navigating the complexities of this bilateral relationship.
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Contact person:
Yeta Purnama 081325068100
