HIMKI: Indonesia Gained Independence Earlier, But China Developed its Modern Industry More Rapidly

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia gained independence earlier than China, but the latter has managed to move faster in building a modern industrial sector based on technology and disciplined production. This was stated by the Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), Abdul Sobur, who highlighted the rapid development of China’s manufacturing industry after visiting the furniture and woodworking machinery industrial area in Qingdao, Shandong Province. During his visit, Sobur attended a furniture and woodworking machinery exhibition and also visited a factory that manufactures high-end woodworking machinery. At the location, he witnessed how high-tech sanding and finishing machines were produced with high precision. “At the factory, I saw how high-tech sanding and finishing machines were produced with incredible precision. One of the things that caught my attention was the line of machines for high-gloss and piano finishes, the surface quality commonly used in premium products worldwide,” said Sobur in a press release on Friday (15/5/2026). According to him, Indonesia gained independence in 1945, while China only truly established itself as the People’s Republic of China in 1949. However, after seeing the industrial development in Qingdao firsthand, he believes that political independence does not automatically lead to industrial independence. “However, today, after seeing the industrial area in Qingdao, I understand that political independence does not automatically lead to industrial independence,” he said. China has long understood that the strength of a modern nation is built through the mastery of industry, technology, and disciplined production. This is evident in the industrial ecosystem that has developed in Qingdao. Sobur noted that this ecosystem is reflected in the vibrant manufacturing area, integrated supply chain, technical education that supports industrial needs, the courage to invest in technology, and a work culture that focuses on efficiency and quality. The woodworking machines produced in Qingdao are not just production tools, but a symbol of a nation’s seriousness in building industrial added value. On the other hand, Sobur believes that Indonesia has different strengths that are no less significant, namely creativity, art, design, and innovation. He cited Bandung as one of the cities with many creative talents, skilled craftsmen, and designers, as well as a wealth of culture.