Major Outcomes of Prabowo Subianto’s Visit to China: Securing Rp 157 Trillion in Investments and Strengthening Indonesia’s Foreign Policy
Beijing – President Prabowo Subianto’s three-day visit to China, from November 8-10, 2024, yielded several concrete outcomes, particularly in economic, business, and foreign policy areas. During the visit, Prabowo engaged with top Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji, and participated in the Indonesia-China Business Forum, fostering closer ties and advancing significant agreements.
The following points summarize the main results of Prabowo’s visit to China over the three days:
A. Securing Investments Worth $10.07 Billion (Rp 157 Trillion)
Prabowo’s visit resulted in commitments from China to invest in Indonesia totaling $10.07 billion (around Rp 157.64 trillion). The partnerships were made between Indonesian and Chinese businesspeople and align with the government’s priority programs, covering critical areas such as food security, energy security, the downstreaming of 26 main domestic commodities, and advancements in science and technology.
B. Seven Bilateral Cooperation Agreements between Indonesia and China
Under the witness of Prabowo and Xi Jinping, Indonesia and China signed seven bilateral cooperation agreements at a ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on Saturday.
The agreements signed between Indonesia and China are as follows:
- Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Fresh Coconut Exports from Indonesia to China;
- Technical Guidelines for Promoting Sustainable Fisheries;
- Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Blue Economy Cooperation;
- Memorandum of Understanding on Mineral Resources Cooperation;
- Memorandum of Understanding on Green Minerals Cooperation;
- Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources Cooperation; and
- Memorandum of Understanding on Conformity Assessment Cooperation.
The signing of these MoUs aims to further strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and China and reflects a mutual commitment to beneficial outcomes.
C. Funding for Indonesia’s Free Nutrition Program
Aside from the seven bilateral agreements and the $10.07 billion business investment, the Chinese government also agreed to support Indonesia’s free nutritious meal program. Both countries reached an agreement on funding for the “Food Supplementation and School Feeding Programme in Indonesia.” This agreement was read at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indonesian and Chinese governments, witnessed directly by Prabowo and Xi Jinping.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that China, which will support this program in Indonesia, has already implemented a similar program for its people.
“Yes, they (the Chinese government) will support us because they have also implemented nutritious meal programs here,” Airlangga told reporters in Beijing on Sunday (10/11).
D. Marine Cooperation Guidelines for the Welfare of Indonesians
Among the seven cooperation agreements signed between Indonesia and China, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono signed technical cooperation guidelines (Technical Cooperation Guidelines/TCG) with Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun.
The signing of TCG is part of the Implementing Arrangement previously signed by both parties in early September last year. The guidelines outline collaboration points to ensure the welfare of fisheries workers and the prosperity of Indonesian communities near fishing areas through the development of downstream fishery products.
TCG includes 12 areas of Indonesia-China cooperation arrangements, including joint ventures, vessels, and fishing quotas. The scope of cooperation will cover fishing and fish product processing in accordance with Indonesian law.
It also includes agreements on the construction of onshore fishing facilities, such as fishing ports, skill exchanges, training, and relevant data sharing in the fisheries sector.
The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries also noted that TCG is a strategic agreement to build food security and could be an opportunity to increase state revenue for community welfare, particularly for fishers.
E. Affirming Indonesia’s Independent Foreign Policy Stance
During his visit to China, Prabowo reiterated that cooperation between Indonesia and China will not alter Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy stance. Indonesia remains committed to non-alignment and to collaborating with all global powers.
On his final day in China, Prabowo, at the Indonesia-China business forum, stated that Indonesia views China not only as a superpower but also as a great civilization.
“I have had excellent meetings with your president and government. We are committed to continuing the steps of our collaboration and synergy in various sectors, including education, business, and industry, and partnerships between business players,” Prabowo said at the forum.
“We are very optimistic and bullish about this prospect, and we see that collaboration between these two countries will help stabilize and elevate the cooperative atmosphere in the region,” he continued.
Prabowo further noted that Indonesia-China cooperation sets an example to the world that, in the modern era, collaboration is the right path to achieve peace.
“Collaboration, not confrontation, is the path to peace. Indonesia is clear; we have always been non-aligned. We have always respected all major global powers,” Prabowo concluded.