BEIJING: Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s recent diplomatic overture to China, mere days following his electoral victory, signifies a major stride in fostering robust ties between the two nations. Subianto, a seasoned 72-year-old statesman, embarked on his inaugural foreign trip to China after winning the elections on March 20, marking a pivotal juncture in Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Subianto reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to bolstering bilateral relations, emphasizing collaboration across diverse spheres, notably in poverty alleviation efforts. President Xi, in turn, commended the substantial strides made in bilateral cooperation over the past decade, citing the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway project as a testament to the efficacy of Sino-Indonesian collaboration.
This diplomatic tête-à-tête underscores the mutual aspirations of both nations to deepen engagement and foster a symbiotic partnership founded on shared objectives and mutual respect.
As China and Indonesia embark on a new phase of bilateral relations aimed at forging a shared future, President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment to deepening comprehensive strategic cooperation with Indonesia. Emphasizing the imperative of mutual benefit, President Xi underscored the significance of fostering synergistic ties that redound to the mutual welfare of their peoples.
Prabowo’s visit to China signifies a pivotal moment for bilateral relations, poised to chart a trajectory of strategic cooperation spanning the next five to ten years.
With Indonesia’s ambitious economic aspirations, aiming to elevate growth from 5 to 7 percent and realize the vision of ‘Golden Indonesia 2045,’ collaboration with China emerges as imperative.
Recognizing China’s pivotal role as a key partner, this diplomatic engagement underscores the significance of fostering robust ties to propel shared prosperity and regional stability. As Indonesia prepares for a new era of leadership, aligning with China’s developmental agenda promises mutual advancement and strategic alignment in tackling complex geopolitical landscapes. –Agencies
