Indonesia is looking to deepen its partnership with China under newly-elected President Prabowo Subianto, who has ambitious goals for the Southeast Asian country’s economic growth, green transition and social development, said Arsjad Rasjid, the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), the chairman said President Subianto, who was sworn in as the country's eighth president late last month, is focusing on economic growth and sustainable development, and sees China as a critical partner to achieve Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision.
"Prabowo Subianto is very determined to have an economic growth of eight percent, which I personally believe it is important to have eight-percent growth. Because if you want Indonesia to be in a golden time in 2045, we have to aim high. And so I totally agree with his eight-percent economic growth. For Indonesia, China is very important, very important because if you look at the trades as an example, 25 percent of trades between Indonesia and other countries, China is about 25 percent of that, right? That's huge," he said.
"The other energy transition is the example of electric vehicles, that's also where China has played a pivotal role in, for example, the mining side of the nickels has created more value added in Indonesia, for battery purposes, as an example. Number one, reduce our carbon emissions, which is important for Indonesia. Number two is reduce our subsidy on the current fuels, the subsidy on fossil fuels. That will help the government budget, right? And third, of course, investment for Indonesia" he continued.
Rasjid highlighted that Subianto's plan centers on using China’s support to boost growth across all sectors, aiming for balanced and shared prosperity for all Indonesians.
"Because his goal is actually prosperity for the people. And it has been his vision. He has always been thinking about the people. That's why when even talking to China on this logic, this alignment, in my opinion, he would also bring about that economic growth is one thing. And he wants to make sure of eight percent economic growth. But that has to be a just economic growth, which means that everyone must feel, must have the touch of this growth. And so with that, the social economy, not just economy, but socially is also important. So I think the alignment is to create the social economic relationship between Indonesia and China," he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Subianto in Beijing on Saturday. The Indonesian President is on a state visit to China from Friday to Sunday.
Indonesia eyes stronger ties with China under newly elected president: expert
