China Becomes Indonesia’s Top Trade Partner as Nations Mark 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — China has become Indonesia’s largest trading partner, a milestone underscored by business leader Anindya Novyan Bakrie as the two countries commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. Speaking at a commemorative event in Jakarta, Anindya, who is Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the significance of this enduring partnership across economic, political, and cultural sectors.
The event, titled 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Indonesia, was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta. Attendees included China’s Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong, Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, and Lippo Group Chairman James Riady. Together, they took part in a ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the occasion.
"First of all, we appreciate the 75-year relationship between China and Indonesia. China is our biggest trading partner and a strategic ally, especially in economic terms," said Anindya.
Beyond trade, he highlighted ongoing political cooperation and cultural exchanges such as student exchange programs. He noted China’s remarkable economic rise over the past three decades since the leadership of Deng Xiaoping.
"Today we celebrate an extraordinary relationship," he added.
Anindya reaffirmed the Chamber's support for stronger bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. He observed that investment flows from China to Indonesia have been particularly robust in recent years.
- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie speaks with Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana during the 75th Anniversary of China–Indonesia Diplomatic Relations event in Jakarta, Thursday, April 17, 2025. Photo: Investortrust/Dicki Antariksa.
"While Indonesia does export to China, more significantly, we’ve seen growing Chinese investments flowing into Indonesia," he said.
Regarding the escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, Anindya underscored Indonesia's neutral stance on the global stage.
"Indonesia is a non-aligned country with no enemies. We maintain friendly relations with all nations," he said.
Anindya described China as one of the world’s two leading powers. While Indonesia has worked to build strong ties and negotiations with the U.S., particularly under President Donald Trump, the partnership with China has remained a priority due to its mutual benefits.
"The value of this relationship is substantial and deserves to be further cultivated," he said.
- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie converses with Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani during the 75th Anniversary of China–Indonesia Diplomatic Relations event in Jakarta, Thursday, April 17, 2025. Photo: Investortrust/Dicki Antariksa.
The anniversary event drew participation from several key figures in Indonesia’s political leadership. Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Deputy Chair of the House Commission I Budi Djiwandono, and Deputy Minister of Immigration and Community Affairs Silmy Karim were among those in attendance. Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani also delivered remarks at the ceremony.
Indonesia's trade balance with China has fluctuated in recent years. While it posted a trade surplus of $3.1 billion in 2021, this grew to $6.5 billion in 2022. In 2023, the surplus declined to $2.06 billion. However, in 2024, Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of $10.3 billion with China.