Leaders from China and Indonesia exchanged congratulations on Sunday over the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Just a day before the milestone, the first batch of 200 kilograms of fresh coconuts imported from Indonesia arrived in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. The shipment marks a new step forward in the two countries’ expanding economic and trade cooperation.
“China’s vast market provides significant export opportunities for Indonesian coconuts,” said Song Jing, an official from Fuzhou Customs. “This not only supports the growth of Indonesia’s coconut industry but also boosts related sectors in China, such as processing and logistics.”
The arrival of the coconuts is one of many developments reflecting the strengthening ties between the two nations. According to Chinese customs authorities, bilateral trade reached nearly $124 billion in 2022. In the first half of 2023 alone, trade volume totaled 172.57 billion yuan (roughly $24 billion), representing a 4.7 percent year-on-year increase.
Chinese investments in Indonesia now span infrastructure, manufacturing, industrial parks, and energy. A standout example is the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail project and a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway is expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost economic development along its route.
Beyond economics, the partnership has grown into a comprehensive strategic cooperation. As two major developing nations in Asia, China and Indonesia have built strong political mutual trust and deepened people-to-people exchanges.
Education and culture are thriving aspects of this relationship. Thousands of Indonesian students are currently studying in China, supported by scholarships and a growing range of academic programs. Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong highlighted the rise in two-way student exchanges in a signed article in the People’s Daily newspaper.
Cultural ties have also blossomed. Chinese cuisine, martial arts, and festivals like the Spring Festival have gained popularity in Indonesia, which has recognized the Spring Festival as a national celebration. Tourism continues to grow, aided by visa-free access for Chinese travelers to Indonesian destinations like Bali and a growing number of direct flights, including new routes such as Guangzhou to Surabaya.
Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said Indonesia aims to attract 2 million Chinese tourists, underscoring tourism as a pillar of bilateral cooperation.
In the congratulatory message to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the enduring friendship and achievements of the past 75 years. He expressed readiness to use the anniversary as a springboard for deeper cooperation, calling for both countries to continue setting an example for common development and South-South cooperation.
“As close neighbors across the sea and good partners sharing a common future, China and Indonesia have stood together through thick and thin,” President Xi said, pledging to continue working to advance the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
