CHINA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks in Beijing to discuss various areas of cooperation, including the blue economy and a proposed “Great Sea Wall” project.

These discussions marked a significant step in deepening bilateral relations between Indonesia and China, particularly in sectors related to maritime development and sustainable resources.

 

During the bilateral meeting, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, outlined the main topics of the discussions, including the expansion of the blue economy.

This encompasses maritime-based industries such as renewable energy (including solar power) and fisheries. Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing these sectors for mutual benefit and environmental sustainability.

The meeting also resulted in the signing of multiple “Government-to-Government” (G to G) agreements. These included initiatives aimed at expanding the export of fresh coconut, promoting sustainable fisheries practices, enhancing blue economy development, and advancing mineral resource management.

Additionally, both leaders addressed the importance of strengthening maritime security cooperation and agreed on projects to ensure food security, such as the “Food Supplementation and School Feeding Programme” in Indonesia.

Among the most prominent projects discussed was Indonesia’s proposed “Great Sea Wall” — a massive infrastructure project designed to protect the northern coast of Java from rising sea levels and flooding. Both Prabowo and Xi Jinping expressed strong support for the initiative, which aims to address climate change-related threats and safeguard coastal communities.

Airlangga Hartarto mentioned that the two countries also discussed expanding the “Two Countries Twin Parks” initiative, a plan for developing joint industrial parks in both nations. This collaboration is expected to foster innovation and economic growth in key sectors, including manufacturing and technology.

Another key topic of discussion was the implementation of local currency settlements (LCS) between Indonesia and China. This financial mechanism is intended to reduce reliance on third-party currencies in bilateral trade, making transactions more efficient and cost-effective. Both nations agreed to work towards a more integrated payment system that would streamline economic exchanges.

As part to economic issues, President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping also discussed security matters, particularly maritime security and defense collaboration. The two leaders agreed that further dialogue would take place between Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense, as well as China’s counterparts, to ensure stability in the region.

The geopolitical landscape also featured in their discussions, with the two leaders touching upon global developments, including the recent election of President Donald Trump in the United States. This dialogue reflects the broader context of international relations that impacts bilateral cooperation.

Airlangga Hartarto also addressed Indonesia’s trade relations with the United States, assuring that Indonesia’s strong ties with China would not hinder its economic relations with the U.S. He pointed out that Indonesia is part of both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with China and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) with the U.S. These frameworks ensure that Indonesia can engage with both global powers while maintaining its non-aligned status.

One of the more notable agreements during the summit was China’s commitment to support Indonesia’s national food security programs. This includes funding the “Food Supplementation and School Feeding Programme,” which aims to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across Indonesia. The partnership highlights China’s ongoing support for Indonesia’s efforts to combat malnutrition and ensure sustainable development.

The meeting between President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping marked a historic moment in the two countries’ diplomatic and economic relations. The agreements signed during this visit are expected to have far-reaching implications for both nations, particularly in terms of sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability. With ongoing cooperation in sectors like the blue economy, infrastructure, and food security, the partnership between Indonesia and China looks set to deepen in the coming years. (Uki Ruknuddin)