Indonesian Embassy holds media gathering in Beijing, anticipates more China-Indonesia cooperation

On May 14, 2024, the Indonesian Embassy held a media gathering with the theme “Indonesian Update” in Beijing, China. At the event, different officials from the Indonesian Embassy, the Head of the Beijing Office of Bank Indonesia, and the Director of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) introduced various developments in Indonesia and discussed bilateral relations between China and Indonesia.

Photo taken on May 14, 2024, shows Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesian Ambassador to China, speaking at a media gathering hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, China. (Junye Zhang/Guangming Online)

Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesian Ambassador to China, gave a speech that summarized the results of Indonesia’s recent election, recounted achievements in the China-Indonesia bilateral relations, and listed areas that he hopes the two countries can further collaborate. Oratmangun introduced that, following a successful February 2024 election, Indonesia anticipates a seamless transition from the Joko Widodo Presidency to the upcoming Prabowo Presidency, slated to officially commence leadership in October 2024. President-elect Prabowo has expressed commitment to continuing various policies initiated under President Joko Widodo, including strengthening partnerships with China, as demonstrated by his visit to Beijing in March 2024. As the forthcoming 75th anniversary of the China-Indonesia bilateral relationship will be celebrated next year, Oratmangun emphasized hopes for China and Indonesia to continue collaboration based on mutual trust and benefit. He stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations has yielded significant results across sectors like trade, investment, energy transition, health, and digital economy. Recent milestones include the operationalization of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train and advancements in downstream industries, energy transition, and electric vehicle development through bilateral agreements. Oratmangun concluded that Indonesia’s youthful population and abundant natural resources offer promising opportunities for further collaboration with China.

During the information update, different fields of development related to Indonesia and the China-Indonesia bilateral relations were presented. On economic development in Indonesia, despite global uncertainty, Indonesia has shown strong economic and financial fundamentals. In 2023, Indonesia’s economic growth was 5.05%. In the first quarter of 2024, Indonesia’s economic growth grew by 5.11% on a year-on-year basis.

On trade and investment, China was introduced as Indonesia’s largest trading partner and second largest investment partner. In 2023, Chinese investment in Indonesia was recorded at USD 7.4 billion. In the first quarter of 2024, investment from China will reach USD 1.87 billion.

Photo taken on May 14, 2024, shows Evita Sanda, Director of IIPC Beijing, speaking at a media gathering hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, China. (Junye Zhang/Guangming Online)

In terms of immigration, the Golden Visa immigration policy was introduced to Chinese people who want to invest and stay in Indonesia for a long time without having to go through a difficult application process. In the area of education, opportunities for Chinese citizens to learn the Indonesian language and culture in the country were shared.

Photo taken on May 14, 2024, shows a traditional Indonesian music and dance performance performed by dancer Titik Parmuji and musician Risnandar at a media gathering hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, capital of China. (Junye Zhang/Guangming Online)

Besides the information briefing, traditional Indonesian music and dance performances were also presented at the event. At the end of the event, Oratmangun and music lecturer Risnandar invited Chinese journalists to learn to play the Indonesian instrument “angklung”, and taught journalists to perform a popular Indonesian song “Ayo Mama” with angklung.

With insightful presentations from distinguished officials and engaging cultural performances, the event encapsulated the depth of bilateral relations between China and Indonesia and the shared commitment to further collaboration. As journalists engaged in learning the intricacies of Indonesian music and culture, the event concluded on a vibrant note, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Indonesia.