Rosalind Evans
In a significant move that underscores the deepening relationship between Indonesia and China, Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto embarked on an official visit to Beijing, marking his first international trip since his victory in the February elections. This visit highlights Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to foster a positive relationship with China and strategically positions the country amidst the fluctuating dynamics of the South China Sea region.
Under the leadership of outgoing President Joko Widodo, Indonesia witnessed a remarkable transformation in its bilateral ties with China, with the latter emerging as Jakarta’s largest trading partner. This partnership has been characterized by substantial Chinese investments in critical Indonesian infrastructure projects, including the landmark Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and the pioneering Cirata floating solar power project. President-elect Subianto’s decision to continue this trajectory of friendship and cooperation was evident during his discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Subianto described China as Indonesia’s “strong cooperative partner” and voiced his intent to perpetuate Widodo’s “friendly policy” towards Beijing, enhancing collaboration in various domains such as economy, trade, and poverty alleviation.
The discourse between Subianto and Xi Jinping, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency, reflects a mutual desire to fortify bilateral relations. Xi Jinping, in particular, lauded the Jakarta-Bandung railway as a “golden” example of Sino-Indonesian cooperation and expressed China’s willingness to deepen maritime cooperation and support Indonesia in poverty reduction efforts. This meeting underscores a shared vision for a prosperous partnership that transcends mere economic collaboration, aiming to address regional and global challenges cooperatively.
Furthermore, Subianto’s itinerary includes engagements with key Chinese figures such as Premier Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun, indicating the comprehensive nature of his visit. His subsequent travel to Japan signals Indonesia’s nuanced foreign policy approach, balancing its relations with China and the United States’ allies in the region amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. This delicate diplomatic maneuvering is crucial as Indonesia navigates the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by territorial disputes and the strategic interests of major powers.
President-elect Subianto’s visit to China is a testament to Indonesia’s strategic foresight and diplomatic acumen, reinforcing the importance of Sino-Indonesian ties in regional stability and prosperity. As both nations look forward to a future of continued partnership, the international community will keenly observe how these evolving dynamics influence the broader geopolitical equilibrium, especially in the context of the South China Sea.
