Indonesia’s President in China: aiming for investment boost and trade partnership

The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, embarked on a trip to China on Thursday with the objective of augmenting the nation’s investments.

In addition to his wife, a group of business representatives accompany him.

During the visit, Widodo has planned meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The agenda includes proposals for strategic investment projects in Indonesia and discussions regarding trade, regional, and international matters of interest.

Furthering business ties, Widodo also intends to meet executives from various Chinese corporations that already invest in Indonesia.

Major sectors include petrochemicals, renewable energy, and health.

The president’s visit also includes attendance at the opening ceremony of the World University Games in Chengdu, China on Saturday.

Notably, Mauritania, Burundi, Guyana, and Georgia leaders are also expected to attend the event.

Indonesia, being the largest economy in Southeast Asia and having the world’s largest nickel reserves used in batteries, is seeking Chinese investment in its electric vehicle sector.

Another key agenda is to garner China’s financial support for the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, being built from scratch on Borneo Island to replace the problematic Jakarta.

Widodo’s visit coincides with the tenth anniversary of the elevation of bilateral relations to strategic partners, marking a key point to gauge China’s influence on Indonesia.

Over the past five years, according to a Lowy Institute report in April, China has generally extended its influence in Southeast Asia compared to the US.

This year, after reopening post-Covid, Chinese President Xi Jinping has maintained a vigorous diplomatic schedule, meeting several foreign high-ranking officials, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez.

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