Indonesia and China have deepened their economic partnership through a series of high-impact agreements signed during the 2025 Indonesia-China Business Forum, held alongside the 40th Trade Expo Indonesia. The forum attracted 360 Chinese business delegates and resulted in nine investment collaborations and six export commitments for Indonesian products. As both nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, the event marks a pivotal moment in advancing bilateral trade, green innovation, and industrial development.
Key Facts & Background
- Event: Indonesia-China Business Forum 2025, held during the 40th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI)
- Participants:
- 360 Chinese entrepreneurs
- 100 prospective buyers and investors
- Agreements signed:
- 9 investment cooperation deals
- 6 export transaction commitments
- Export transaction value: $22 million (~Rp366 billion at Rp16,645/USD)
- Key sectors covered:
- Green energy
- Waste-to-energy technology
- Automotive mobility
- Smart aquaculture feeding systems
- Food and beverage (snacks, seafood, tea, coffee)
- Institutional support:
- Indonesian Ministry of Trade
- Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming
- Bank Mandiri Shanghai
- Indonesian Industrial Estate Association (HKI)
- Diplomatic milestone: 75th anniversary of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations
- Statements from officials:
- Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun emphasized the peak of strategic partnership
- Consul General Berlianto Situngkir highlighted the forum’s role in advancing green economy and digital transformation
Strategic Insights
The 2025 Indonesia-China Business Forum marks a significant leap in bilateral economic cooperation, reflecting both countries’ shared commitment to sustainable development and industrial modernization. The signing of nine investment agreements across sectors such as green energy and smart aquaculture signals a strategic pivot toward future-oriented industries. These sectors not only align with Indonesia’s national priorities—such as energy transition and food security—but also resonate with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and green finance ambitions.
The $22 million in export commitments, covering high-value consumer goods like seafood, tea, and coffee, underscores Indonesia’s growing appeal in China’s consumer market. These deals are more than transactional—they represent a deepening of supply chain integration and brand recognition for Indonesian products. As China continues to seek diversified import sources, Indonesia’s positioning as a reliable and quality supplier will be key to sustaining momentum.
The forum’s success also reflects the effectiveness of Indonesia’s trade diplomacy and investment promotion strategy. By convening stakeholders from government, finance, and industry, the event created a multi-layered platform for business matching, project incubation, and policy dialogue. This holistic approach is essential for converting diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
Moreover, the emphasis on industrial estate development and financing cooperation points to a broader agenda of infrastructure-led investment. As Indonesia expands its manufacturing base and special economic zones, Chinese capital and expertise can play a catalytic role—provided that governance, transparency, and local value creation are prioritized.
