Policy & RegulationAnalysis

China, Indonesia Pledge Closer Legislative Ties as Zhao Leji Meets Muzani

Top Chinese legislator Zhao Leji and Indonesian MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani discuss implementing presidential consensus and expanding governance exchanges.

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Indonesian youth in uniforms participate in a patriotic parade celebrating Independence Day in Jembrana, Bali.
Photo by Adi Pratama on Pexels

The Brief

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with Ahmad Muzani, speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly of Indonesia (MPR), in Beijing on September 20. Both leaders affirmed the positive momentum in bilateral relations, emphasizing the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to build a community with a shared future. Zhao and Muzani expressed mutual commitments to deepen legislative interactions, exchange governance experience, and advance the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership across multiple sectors.

Why it matters

The high-level engagement between China's NPC and Indonesia's MPR demonstrates an effort to reinforce political trust and institutional alignment at the legislative level. By institutionalizing parliamentary and consultative exchanges, Beijing and Jakarta seek to ensure policy continuity and smooth implementation of high-level presidential agreements following Indonesia's recent presidential transition.

China context

Legislative diplomacy plays an integral role in Beijing's external affairs strategy. The National People's Congress frequently engages counterpart assemblies to share governance philosophies, promote the Belt and Road Initiative, and foster political alignment with key Global South partners, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Editor's View

EDITOR'S VIEW — Analysis and inference, not factual reporting. The meeting underscores Beijing's proactive outreach to Indonesia's parliamentary leadership to secure institutional backing for bilateral initiatives under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. While executive summits define strategic direction, legislative and consultative ties provide essential political groundwork and cross-party consensus, which are crucial for maintaining momentum on large-scale infrastructure, trade, and regional stability frameworks.

What to watch

  • Follow-up bilateral exchanges and visits between committees of the NPC and the Indonesian MPR
  • Progress on bilateral projects and joint declarations originating from the Xi-Prabowo consensus
  • Inter-parliamentary coordination between China and ASEAN member states on regional governance

Key Takeaways

  • 1Zhao Leji met with Indonesian MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani in Beijing on September 20.
  • 2Both sides emphasized carrying out the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Prabowo Subianto.
  • 3The NPC and MPR agreed to expand exchanges, share governance experience, and support practical bilateral cooperation.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Ahmad Muzani, speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly of Indonesia (MPR), in Beijing on September 20, according to reports published by Xinhua and the People's Daily. During the talks, Zhao underscored that bilateral relations between China and Indonesia have maintained robust momentum in recent years. He highlighted the strategic consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future bearing regional and global influence, noting that this milestone opened a new chapter in bilateral ties. Zhao stated that China remains ready to work with Indonesia under the strategic guidance of both heads of state to achieve fresh outcomes in their collaborative endeavors. He added that the NPC is prepared to maintain close communication with the MPR, broaden channels of institutional cooperation, and deepen the exchange of governance experiences to support the respective development and modernization agendas of both nations. In response, Muzani affirmed the longstanding friendship between Indonesia and China. He expressed optimism that his visit would further foster friendly collaboration between the legislative bodies and peoples of both nations, ultimately elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Indonesia and China to a higher stage. Muzani also noted that the MPR is keen to enhance institutional dialogue with the NPC to provide solid backing for deepening practical cooperation across various fields. The meeting reflects regular diplomatic coordination between China's top legislature and Southeast Asian parliamentary counterparts, which serves to anchor broader economic and political ties in institutional consensus.