Prabowo’s recent decision to visit China ahead of Indonesia’s neighboring countries highlights the strong partnership between the two nations that has developed over the past decade, particularly during Jokowi’s presidency. During this time, China has become Indonesia’s top trading partner, supplying valuable natural resources such as nickel and coal. This close relationship is exemplified by the significant investments China has made in Indonesian infrastructure and industrial projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.
Jokowi set the stage for the close ties between Indonesia and China by making his first official visit to China shortly after taking office in 2014. This visit was followed by six more trips, solidifying the importance of the relationship between the two countries. The strong economic partnership between Indonesia and China has benefited both nations, with China investing billions in Indonesian projects and providing essential natural resources to fuel Indonesia’s economy.
As Prabowo, now Indonesia’s defense minister, steps into a leadership role, there are questions about how he will handle the delicate balance between China and the United States in Southeast Asia. In the past, Prabowo has emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to a policy of non-alignment and maintaining positive relationships with both China and the United States. However, managing the competing interests of these global powers will be a key challenge for Prabowo as he navigates Indonesia’s foreign policy moving forward.
One potential area of tension between Indonesia and China is the overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. Indonesia asserts that the southern end of the South China Sea falls within its exclusive economic zone, while China claims the area as part of its own territorial waters based on the controversial “nine-dash line.” Despite these conflicting claims, Indonesia and China have not experienced the same level of dispute as seen between China and other regional states, such as the Philippines, in recent months.
During Prabowo’s visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a willingness to deepen maritime cooperation with Indonesia. This statement indicates China’s desire to strengthen ties with Indonesia and potentially address any concerns or disputes related to maritime issues in the South China Sea. As Prabowo assumes a more prominent leadership role, his ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia, particularly in relation to China, will be closely watched to see how he handles these sensitive matters while upholding Indonesia’s national interests.
In conclusion, Prabowo’s recent visit to China underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China, which has deepened significantly in recent years. As Indonesia’s defense minister, Prabowo will face challenges in managing the competing interests of major global powers like China and the United States while also addressing sensitive issues, such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, by maintaining a policy of non-alignment and emphasizing positive relationships with both China and the United States, Prabowo has the opportunity to navigate these challenges and continue to foster strong partnerships that benefit Indonesia’s economy and national security.
