China and Indonesia have made committment towards deepening cooperation across critical sectors, including lithium, new energy vehicles, green energy, and tourism. This was highlighted in a joint statement released on Saturday.
The announcement came after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on an official visit to China, his first foreign visit since taking office last month. Prabowo, who won Indonesia’s presidential election in February, emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to expanding its strategic relationship with China by making it his first international destination.
“China and Indonesia will join forces to drive global development forward by exploring cooperative opportunities in areas like new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic technologies, while also embracing growth in the digital economy and green energy sectors,” the statement read.
The two nations plan to strengthen the global energy transition partnership, ensuring the security of mineral supplies and the resilience of industrial chains.
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In line with these goals, Chinese battery materials producer GEM signed an agreement with PT Vale Indonesia to build a high-pressure acid leaching plant in Central Sulawesi to enhance access to Indonesia’s abundant nickel resources. This deal, which Prabowo witnessed, further solidifies Indonesia’s role as the world’s leading nickel producer, with major contributions from Chinese firms such as Tsingshan Holding Group and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt.
To boost tourism post-pandemic, the two countries will introduce new multi-entry, long-term visas and expand direct flights between high-demand destinations.
During Prabowo’s visit, additional agreements were signed to foster collaboration in housing and support the export of fresh Indonesian coconuts to China.
