As China and Indonesia celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, the two nations are deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership and fostering a shared future, setting a model for solidarity and development among Global South countries.
From infrastructure development to sustainable transformation, and from economic cooperation to cultural exchanges, China and Indonesia have demonstrated an innovative approach to South-South cooperation through high-quality, results-oriented projects. Anchored in strategic mutual trust, their collaboration offers a replicable blueprint for mutually beneficial development.
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail connects hearts
At Jakarta's Halim Station, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (HSR) begins its 142.3-kilometer journey, traversing key Indonesian cities before reaching Bandung. Since its 2023 launch, Southeast Asia's first HSR has slashed travel time from three hours to just 40 minutes, carrying over 8 million passengers—including 87,000 non-Indonesian travelers in Q1 2025 alone.
The railway has spurred economic growth along its route, with industrial parks, food processing hubs, and small businesses clustering around stations like Karawang. "The HSR exemplifies Indonesia's infrastructure strategy, enhancing connectivity while unlocking opportunities for local communities," said Agus Yudhoyono, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Beyond the HSR, bilateral infrastructure cooperation spans the Surabaya-Madura Bridge, the Bandung Expressway, and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" industrial initiative. In March 2025, the Batang Industrial Park—part of this scheme—was upgraded to a special economic zone, with President Prabowo Subianto envisioning it as "Indonesia's Shenzhen."
Green transition gains momentum
In January 2025, the China-built Jatigede Hydropower Plant was inaugurated, supplying 500,000 households and cutting annual coal use by 48,000 tons. Similar green projects are flourishing, including the Morowali Industrial Park in Central Sulawesi, where Chinese investment has transformed Indonesia's nickel resources into a hub for battery materials.
At West Java's Cirata Reservoir, Southeast Asia's largest floating solar plant, developed by a Chinese firm, now contributes 25% of Indonesia's renewable energy output, saving 117,000 tons of coal annually.
Chinese direct investment in Indonesia hit $8.1 billion in 2024, marking nine consecutive years as a top-three investor. Beyond capital, Chinese enterprises have trained 45,000 Indonesians in skills like welding and electrical work for the HSR, while the Cirata project nurtured 1,000 solar technicians.
"Collaboration goes beyond infrastructure—it elevates Indonesia's human capital," said Emir Monti, PR manager of the HSR project.
Innovating cooperation mechanisms
A Sino-Indonesian art exhibition in February 2025 showcased 120 paintings, symbolizing cultural camaraderie. Such exchanges complement thriving economic ties: bilateral trade reached $150 billion in 2024 (up 8.5% YoY), over 10 Chinese industrial parks operate in Indonesia, and Chinese tourists to Indonesia exceeded 1.5 million last year.
During President Prabowo's November 2024 China visit—his first overseas trip as leader—the two nations elevated cooperation to "five pillars" (adding security to existing political, economic, cultural, and maritime ties) and signed multiple agreements. Indonesia's recent membership in the New Development Bank and BRICS further strengthens Global South unity.
"China-Indonesia relations, rooted in profound friendship, hold vast potential. We look forward to joint efforts to inject new vitality into our partnership," said Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong.
Source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, VOC
