A file photo of the national flags of China and Indonesia. /CFP
A file photo of the national flags of China and Indonesia. /CFP
Editor's note: Liu Xiaoqi, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a PhD candidate at the National Institute for Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and a professor at Shaanxi Vocational and Technical College. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
As China and Indonesia mark the milestone 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, their ties have evolved from traditional cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with remarkable results in multiple fields. These achievements have reinforced ASEAN's centrality in the regional order and provide a practical model for Global South countries to pursue independent development paths.
Adhering to the principles of strategic autonomy and sovereign equality, the two major developing countries support each other in international affairs. Their close high-level exchanges and improved bilateral dialogue mechanisms provide political guarantees and strategic guidance for the development of their relations. The elevation of cooperation from the “four-wheel drive” (political, economic, cultural and maritime areas) to the “five pillars” (adding security cooperation) reflects deepening bilateral ties and growing strategic trust.
Their economic and trade cooperation has yielded substantial results. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $147.8 billion, making China Indonesia's largest trading partner for the 12th consecutive year. Chinese investments in Indonesia cover multiple fields such as infrastructure, manufacturing, industrial parks, and energy sectors.
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Southeast Asia's first high-speed rail and a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, was completed in 2023, significantly shortening travel time between Jakarta and Bandung and boosting economic development along the route. By February, it had transported over 8 million passengers. The Morowali Industrial Park, which has investments by Chinese private enterprises, has become a global hub for nickel processing and new energy industries, offering important support for Indonesia's industrial upgrading.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 17, 2024, shows an electrical multiple unit train running on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia. /Xinhua
An aerial drone photo taken on April 17, 2024, shows an electrical multiple unit train running on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia. /Xinhua
People-to-people exchanges have grown increasingly close. With more scholarships and more majors available, two-way student exchange between China and Indonesia has expanded. The Spring Festival is now a national festive event in Indonesia, while Chinese cuisine, martial arts, and cultural products enjoy widespread popularity.
Indonesia offers visa-free entry to popular destinations like Bali for Chinese tourists, and the expansion of direct flights between the two countries has facilitated tourism exchanges. Over half of Indonesians view China as the "most constructive force," and more than 60 percent of Indonesian youth see China as a "leader in innovation and technology," underscoring the deepening mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, the alignment of Chinese modernization and Indonesia's "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision will bring unprecedented opportunities for the two countries, ushering in a new chapter in their relations.
Maintaining high-level exchanges will remain a priority. To ensure this, the dialogue mechanisms can be refined and government-to-government dialogue platforms established in more cooperation fields. Stronger strategic communication and sharing governance experiences will enhance political trust.
On the international stage, China and Indonesia can play a greater role, promoting a just and reasonable global governance system, defending the common interests of developing nations, and advocating global governance reform.
The potential of trade and investment should be tapped, strengthening two-way investment cooperation. The opportunities brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership should be utilized to reduce tariff barriers, promote the free flow of goods and services, and enhance the modernization of regional industrial and supply chains. Cooperation should also be strengthened in cutting-edge technology such as big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and in jointly building the Digital Silk Road.
There is also vast cooperation potential in areas like new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaics. New quality productivity cooperation related to the digital economy and green development should be explored and collaboration enhanced in clean energy industries and energy infrastructure.
Last but not the least, cultural and people-to-people exchanges should be deepened through expanded Chinese and Indonesian language education, digital literacy programs, and vocational training. Exchanges between universities and think tanks need to be intensified to cultivate more young ambassadors of friendship with a deep understanding of both nations.
Talent development through joint academic programs, research exchanges, and professional recruitment will foster globally minded and innovative experts to bolster technological advancement in both countries.
By revitalizing the Bandung Spirit, the core of which is solidarity, friendship and cooperation, China and Indonesia can strengthen solidarity among Asian and African nations, amplify the voices of developing countries in global governance, uphold multilateralism, and collectively counter unilateral challenges.
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