China Proposes 6 Priority Sectors for Cooperation with Indonesia

JAKARTA - Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong stated that bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and China can be focused on strengthening six strategic sectors to support the development targets of both countries, ranging from industrial downstreaming to digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI).

In a special written interview with ANTARA, Wang said infrastructure development was the first sector that needed to be strengthened. According to him, Indonesia's efforts to build national connectivity can be supported by China's technological capabilities and supply chains in this field.

"Both sides can continue to advance high-quality, sustainable, and people-oriented cooperation projects that bring real benefits," Wang said.

The second sector that is considered to have great potential is supply chain and industry integration. Wang assessed that the agenda for the downstream processing of mineral resources carried out by Indonesia can be combined with China's manufacturing capabilities to increase the added value of commodities.

He specifically mentioned the opportunity for increased collaboration in the electric vehicle sector, battery materials, steel processing, electronics, and information technology.

The third focus is sustainable green development. In this field, Indonesia and China are considered to be able to expand cooperation on the development of photovoltaic and wind power plants, energy storage systems, carbon emission reduction technologies, and green financing.

In addition, according to Wang, the fourth sector that deserves to be a priority is the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI). With experience in the digital sector and AI development initiatives, including the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), China expressed its readiness to support the development of this sector in Indonesia.

"Both parties can increase international cooperation in terms of AI, so that it can empower energy development and inject new momentum into modernization in our two countries," he said.

Maritime cooperation is the fifth focus. Wang assessed the concept of the World Maritime Axis, which Indonesia is carrying out, is in line with China's efforts to build maritime power.

The sixth focus is rural rejuvenation and agricultural modernization to improve the quality of life of the community while accelerating poverty eradication in rural areas.

Wang believes that strengthening cooperation in the six sectors can help both countries realize their respective national development visions, namely the Indonesia Gold Vision 2045 and China's Second 100-Year Goal in 2049.

"China and Indonesia can very well align their respective modernization processes to achieve success together and realize common development," said Wang Lutong.