China and Indonesia Pledge to Deepen Economic and Strategic Cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, in Beijing on September 17. The two sides exchanged presidential greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang called for closer alignment between the two nations' development strategies and pledged Beijing's support for Indonesia's modernization and self-reliant economic growth, while Luhut reiterated Jakarta's readiness to convert strategic ties into tangible cooperation.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and a cornerstone partner for China's regional infrastructure and industrial supply chain initiatives. Following the leadership transition to President Prabowo Subianto, high-level engagement with Luhut—a veteran economic policymaker—signals administrative continuity and mutual intent to insulate major economic projects and bilateral ties from shifting regional geopolitics.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing on September 17 with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, reaffirming both nations' intention to expand pragmatic economic cooperation and strengthen strategic alignment, according to state media reports. During the meeting, Wang, who also serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed warm greetings from President Xi Jinping to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Wang noted that under the strategic guidance of both heads of state, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia has continued to deepen. According to Xinhua and People's Daily, Wang emphasized that China stands ready to join hands with Indonesia to promote unity and self-reliance among countries of the Global South. He underscored the need for both governments to enhance the alignment of their national development strategies, push forward the transformation and upgrading of practical cooperation, and accelerate Indonesia's modernization path by bolstering its domestic capacity for independent development. Luhut, conveying President Prabowo's sincere greetings to President Xi, stated that Indonesia attaches immense importance to its bilateral relationship with China. He expressed Jakarta's willingness to work alongside Beijing to translate their overarching strategic framework into concrete, pragmatic cooperation outcomes across various sectors. Luhut has long served as a key liaison in coordinating major economic and infrastructure initiatives between the two nations, including flagship Belt and Road projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway. His discussions in Beijing highlight Beijing and Jakarta's shared interest in preserving policy momentum and expanding economic linkages amid wider global macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds.