Indonesia-China Relations Will Get Stronger Under the Next Govt, Minister Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan expressed belief that Indonesia-China relations would get stronger and even reach a higher level under the next administration of president and vice president-elect.

"I believe that during the next government's period, Indonesia will ensure the continuity of President Joko Widodo's policies and sustain the strong friendship ties and constructive cooperation with China," he noted in his ministry's statement received on Sunday, April 21, 2024..

He made the statement in his opening speech for the 4th High Level Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism (HDCM) of Indonesia and China in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (April 19).

The HDCM is the epicenter of the the two countries' partnership regarding the implementation of Global Maritime Fulcrum and Belt and Road Initiative.

Luhut further said that the two countries are believed to advance their relations based on the principles of mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefits.

The minister also expressed belief that President Xi Jinping would lead China to a higher level of modernization.

He believed that the 4th HDCM as a forum that would support the continuation of the Indonesia-China comprehensive strategic partnership, which had resulted in the Jakarta-Bandung "Whoosh" High-speed Train that has been operational since October 17, 2023.

In the past three months, he said, the average number of passengers of Whoosh has reached 15,000 per day. During the peak of the 2024 Eid homecoming exodus, the number hit 21,422, an increase of 34 percent.

Luhut then appreciated China for its consistent support for Indonesia's energy transition, industrialization, and mineral downstreaming.

"The Indonesian Government is committed to providing incentives and supporting policies related to strategic industries, including petrochemical investments in North Kalimantan. We hope that the projects in the province can have been realized in mid 2024," he said.

Indonesia is always open to investors from other countries seeking to participate in developing strategic projects in North Kalimantan, Luhut added.

ANTARA

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