Indonesia and China push bilateral trade beyond 167 billion US dollars
Indonesia and China have agreed to continue encouraging an increase in bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at 167 billion US dollars, during the first Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) between the two countries.
“Because that figure does not encompass all the potential held by both countries, we also agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in trade in order to increase the volume and value of that trade,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta on Friday.
Sugiono conveyed this in a joint statement at the first Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sugiono also said that both parties welcomed the discussion of the 2027-2031 Action Plan and agreed to revitalise strategic mechanisms in the fields of trade, energy, minerals, and maritime affairs, as well as to explore new mechanisms in quarantine and artificial intelligence.
“We will also continue to strengthen cooperation in food security, energy, and minerals through industrial development that supports national resilience,” he said.
Sugiono also expressed appreciation for China’s investment commitment, including a perfect assessment from a Chinese rating agency of Indonesia’s investment climate, which is seen as reflecting strong confidence in the economy and the policies of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
The two countries also agreed on the continuation of financing for Belt and Road projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, along with alternatives for increasing passenger volume, as well as strengthening cooperation in the financial sector and local currency transactions.
“Going forward, cooperation will encompass advanced technology and artificial intelligence, including the joint development of communication satellites and several other matters in advanced technology,” said Sugiono.
Regarding the maritime sector, both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration in navigation safety, marine science research, maritime security, and capacity building, while people-to-people cooperation will be expanded through increased scholarships for Indonesian students in STEM fields.
In addition, Indonesia affirmed its support for China’s leadership of APEC 2026 and the success of the APEC summit in Shenzhen later this year, in line with the shared commitment to building an ASEAN-China partnership based on ASEAN centrality.
The Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) is a new bilateral mechanism at the foreign minister level established during Foreign Minister Sugiono’s visit to Beijing in April 2025.
Following the CSD, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also hosted the 2nd Meeting of the 2+2 Dialogue Mechanism between the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of Indonesia and China.
The 2+2 meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in political, defence, and security fields at bilateral, regional, and global levels.
These two agendas are part of Indonesia and China’s efforts to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.