In a recent bilateral meeting held at Hotel Jinniu in Chengdu on Thursday (July 27, 2023), President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) of Indonesia and President Xi Jinping of China engaged in productive discussions, culminating in the establishment of eight crucial cooperation agreements between the two nations. This meeting showcased the commitment of both leaders to strengthen ties and foster mutually beneficial collaborations in various sectors.
The areas of cooperation discussed during the meeting encompassed a wide range of significant aspects. These included reinforcing trade and investment relations, enhancing collaboration in the healthcare domain, jointly undertaking research and technology initiatives, and addressing the strategic venture of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) development. Both Presidents emphasized the importance of fostering robust economic and technical cooperation.
One of the notable aspects highlighted during the meeting was the successful resolution of import protocols for certain products between Indonesia and China. President Jokowi expressed his satisfaction with this development, stating, “Ke depan kita perlu terus dorong pembaruan protokol dan peningkatan kuota impor sarang burung walet serta penyelesaian protokol impor produk laut Indonesia.” (Moving forward, we need to continue to push for protocol updates and an increase in the import quota for swiftlet bird nests, as well as the resolution of import protocols for Indonesian marine products.)
The IKN project, a pivotal venture in Indonesia’s development, received particular attention during the meeting. President Jokowi expressed his hope for China to remain a strategic partner in the IKN development, as it signifies a significant step in the nation’s progress. “Semoga kerja sama Otoritas IKN dengan Pemerintah Kota Shenzen dapat berkontribusi bagi perencanaan dan pengembangan IKN,” (May the collaboration between the IKN Authority and the Shenzhen City Government contribute to the planning and development of the IKN) he said.
Healthcare cooperation emerged as another vital area of focus, with President Jokowi welcoming the finalization of the action plan for implementing health-related collaborations between the two countries. This reflects the mutual commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure and advancing medical advancements in the region.
Furthermore, the meeting encompassed discussions on regional issues, including cooperation between ASEAN and China and China’s support for the centrality of ASEAN in promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. President Jokowi emphasized the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific area, stating, “Indo-Pasifik adalah kawasan strategis yang harus kita jaga sebagai kawasan damai dan stabil.” (The Indo-Pacific is a strategic region that we must safeguard as a peaceful and stable area.)
As a testament to the fruitful outcomes of the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi and President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents, reflecting the commitment of both nations to advancing their partnership in various spheres.
The eight cooperation agreements reached during the meeting are as follows:
- Protocol on Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for Konjac Powder Exports from Indonesia to China
- Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Tabasheer Exports from Indonesia to China
- Action Plan for Health Cooperation
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Joint Research and Development Center
- MoU on Cooperation in Planning, Knowledge Sharing, and Experience Exchange regarding the Relocation of Indonesia’s New Capital City
- MoU on Enhancing Indonesia-China “Two Countries, Twin Parks” Cooperation
- MoU on Chinese Language Education
- MoU on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
The meeting showcased the shared commitment of Indonesia and China to furthering their bilateral relations and forging a future of mutual prosperity and growth. The agreements reached are expected to foster even stronger ties and promote cooperation in areas of strategic importance for both nations.