A New Bridge in the East: Indonesia Courts Belarus for Industrial Partnership

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Byline: Edited by Primus Dorimulu

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Dr. James T. Riady, the Vice Chairman for International Relations at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), issued an ambitious call to the Belarusian business community on Tuesday: view Indonesia not merely as a convenient export destination, but as a "second home" for long-term investment, industrial development, and technology transfer.

Speaking at the Indonesia–Belarus Business Forum in Jakarta, Mr. Riady argued that in an era increasingly defined by geopolitical fragmentation and volatile supply chains, superficial trade volume is no longer sufficient. Instead, he advocated for deep-seated industrial partnerships that can weather the shifting currents of the global economy.

The forum, hosted by Kadin and the Embassy of Belarus, welcomed a high-level delegation led by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich. The meeting underscores a broader shift in Indonesia’s economic foreign policy under President Prabowo Subianto. As the global center of gravity drifts toward the Asia-Pacific, Indonesia is positioning itself as a vital neutral ground where foreign industrial expertise can scale within the world's fourth-most populous nation.

Navigating a Fractured World

"We live in a world that is increasingly fragmented," Dr. Riady told the audience on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. "Supply chains are changing, markets are becoming more uncertain, and geopolitics are shaping the direction of the economy. In this environment, nations need to build new economic partnerships."

For Belarus, a nation of approximately nine million known for its prowess in engineering, industrial manufacturing, and agricultural technology, the Indonesian market offers a distinct counterweight. Indonesia boasts a population of nearly 285 million, abundant natural resources, and a demographic dividend that continues to drive domestic consumption.

"Our strengths are complementary," Dr. Riady noted. "Belarus provides technology, manufacturing experience, and industrial expertise. Indonesia offers economies of scale, abundant talent, and a massive internal market."

The "Second Home" Strategy

Dr. Riady explicitly encouraged Belarusian firms to emulate the decades-old playbook used by Japanese corporations in the region. Rather than just selling finished goods, Japanese firms integrated into the Indonesian economy by building factories, localizing production, and training a local workforce. This model, he argued, created one of the most successful industrial development stories in Asia.

"I want to encourage Belarusian companies to make Indonesia a second home for investment," Dr. Riady said. "Build factories here, conduct technology transfers, and partner with Indonesian companies. We have a robust private sector and many competent partners."

This pivot aligns with President Prabowo's national agenda, which prioritizes the "downstreaming" of natural resources—a policy known in Indonesia as hilirisasi—designed to ensure the country captures more value from its commodities before they are exported.

A Gateway to ASEAN

Beyond its own borders, Indonesia is highlighting its role as the anchor of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a trade bloc representing over 680 million people. Jakarta hopes that by attracting Belarusian industry, Indonesia can become a launchpad for Belarusian goods into the wider ASEAN region, while simultaneously opening doors for Indonesian firms to utilize Belarus as a bridgehead into the Eurasian market.

As the forum concluded, the message was clear: governments can sign treaties and foster diplomatic ties, but the heavy lifting of job creation and industrial growth remains the domain of the private sector. The challenge now lies in turning these high-level discussions into tangible capital expenditure, moving from the ballroom floor to the factory floor.