TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed the Chinese government hopes for President-elect Prabowo Subianto to make an official state visit to China after his inauguration as Indonesian president.

"There are several agendas that they have proposed," said Luhut in Shanghai, on Sunday, June 16, 2024, as quoted by Antara.

Luhut made this statement during a working visit to China last Wednesday, June 12, 2024, where he visited several cities and regions such as Beijing, Jilin, and Shanghai. He also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Head of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Zheng Shanjie, officials from Tsinghua University, and Chinese businessmen.

"They were very happy when they met Mr. Prabowo who also spoke with President Xi and Prime Minister Li Qiang. They were ecstatic and I think that was an important asset," said Luhut.

Previously, President-elect Prabowo Subianto visited China from March 31 to April 2. At that time, Prabowo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun.

He also visited a school in Dongcheng District, Beijing, to observe its free lunch program for students.

Luhut explained that Indonesia-China relations are carried out through both diplomatic channels and personal relations of high-ranking officials of both countries. One example of such a condition is the relationship between Luhut and Chinese Foreign Minister WangYi.

"The meeting with Mr. Eng Yi, we’re friends, yes. I think it's important that (developing bilateral relations) can't just be a formal relationship, it has to be personal, there has to be trust," said Luhut.

Luhut and Wang Yi are known as two central figures in the Indonesia-China High-Level Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism (HDCM). They met in Jilin last Thursday, June 13, 2024, as a continuation of HDCM in April 2024 in Labuan Bajo.

Luhut further said that he and Wang Yi are always open to their respective countries' interests and regional interests. "China hopes to improve the cooperation between Indonesia and China, and again reminds us that the 'One China Policy' is truly maintained," said Luhut

Wang Yi also did not hesitate to ask about Indonesia's credibility during the Prabowo Subianto - Gibran Rakabuming’s reign.

"He (Wang Yi) asked about it, but I'm sure Mr. Prabowo wants to succeed too, he doesn't want to fail. I think he is a hard worker and will continue Mr. Jokowi's program," said Luhut. "Of course, it will be refined in places and they (China) believe in us."

Rr. ARIYANI YAKTI WIDYASTUTI

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