A high-speed train traveling from Jakarta to Bandung, Java, symbolizes the strengthening relationship between China and Indonesia. The two nations are marking significant milestones in their cooperation, particularly as 2025 represents the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Head-of-State Diplomacy Drives Progress
Frequent meetings and exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have been central to fostering closer ties. President Xi met with President Subianto in Beijing on September 3, while also exchanging congratulatory messages in April and August regarding the anniversaries of both nations’ diplomatic relationship and Indonesia’s founding, respectively. According to Xue Song, an associate professor at Fudan University, these interactions have been crucial in establishing a strong foundation for collaborative efforts.
Expanding Economic Ties
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, a joint project, celebrated its second anniversary on October 17. Beyond infrastructure, the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative – encompassing the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in China and the Batang Industrial Park in Indonesia – is fostering cooperation across marine fisheries, tropical agriculture, light industry, mechanical electronics, and green mining. In November, Indonesia made its first shipment of frozen durian to the Fuzhou zone, signaling a new development in agricultural trade.
Economic cooperation is also expanding into the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, with nearly 83,000 Chinese-brand NEVs sold in Indonesia through November 2025 – a 130 percent increase year-over-year. Furthermore, the People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia launched a bilateral local currency settlement framework in September, and are working to interconnect their QR code payment systems.
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Strengthening People-to-People Connections
Beyond economics, cultural and interpersonal exchanges are growing. A village chief from Purwosono, Indonesia, visited China and, inspired by village-level football leagues, initiated a volleyball league in his community. New direct air routes between Chinese and Indonesian cities have been established, contributing to a 10.1 percent increase in Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia (exceeding 1.135 million from January to October 2025) and a 61.4 percent increase in Indonesian tourists visiting Shanghai during the first three quarters of the year.
The successful birth of giant panda cubs, Hu Chun and Cai Tao, in Indonesia has also captured public attention, symbolizing the positive trajectory of the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project?
The “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project is a collaborative initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative, involving the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in China and the Batang Industrial Park in Indonesia, designed to foster cooperation across multiple industrial sectors.
How has the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway performed?
Since its launch, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has transported over 12 million passengers and maintained an on-time performance rate of over 95 percent, becoming one of Indonesia’s busiest rail lines.
What progress has been made in financial cooperation between China and Indonesia?
In September 2025, the People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia launched a bilateral local currency settlement framework and initiated a project to interconnect their QR code payment systems.
As China and Indonesia look ahead, they aim to build upon their existing relationship and contribute to global progress.
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