In a significant move to bolster its economic growth, the Indonesian government has announced plans to significantly broaden its partnership with Chinese investors across several high-priority sectors. The announcement was made by a top economic official during a major business event in Jakarta.
New Sectors for Strategic Partnership
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto outlined the expanded collaboration roadmap on Friday, January 9, 2026. Speaking at the anniversary celebration of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Hartarto stated that the country is looking to attract Chinese capital and expertise beyond traditional areas.
The new focus sectors include major infrastructure projects, modern logistics networks, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), the burgeoning digital economy, national food security programs, and comprehensive human capital development initiatives. The event gathered hundreds of representatives from leading Chinese and Indonesian companies and government bodies.
Opening Access to Bigger Markets
Minister Hartarto emphasized the mutual benefits of this deepened economic relationship. He pointed out that doing business in Indonesia serves as a gateway to larger regional markets, a key strategic advantage for foreign investors. He also commended the Chamber for its two decades of work in fostering bilateral trade.
"I appreciate the 20th anniversary of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia," Hartarto said. "We look forward to strengthening collaboration, expanding partnerships and creating new engines to continue fostering mutually beneficial cooperation."
Acknowledging China's Role in Economic Development
The sentiment was strongly echoed by another senior Indonesian official at the gathering. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council, explicitly credited Chinese investors with playing a pivotal role in the nation's economic progress, particularly in the development of downstream industries.
"We would not have been able to achieve downstreaming without Chinese investors," Pandjaitan stated. "We must acknowledge that China has made a significant contribution to the development of the Indonesian economy." This statement underscores the strategic importance Jakarta places on its economic ties with Beijing.
The clear message from Jakarta is one of open invitation and reinforced partnership. By diversifying the sectors for collaboration into future-focused areas like AI and the digital economy, while also securing foundations in infrastructure and food, Indonesia is positioning itself for sustained growth with China as a key economic ally.
