2024.4.24.	|  |  |  |

Actively promote Indonesia and China's relationship -- Interview with the Indonesian Ambassador to China, H.E Mr. Soegeng Rahardjo

Since President Xi Jinping successfully visited Indonesia in 2013, the two countries have been developing comprehensive partnership in all fields. Indonesia attaches great importance to the relationship with China and willing to strengthen the partnership with China. Recently, we had an exclusive interview with the Indonesian Ambassador to China, H.E Mr. Soegeng Rahardjo.    "Good morning, Ambassador Rahardjo! Since China and Indonesia established the diplomatic relations 65 years ago, both countries have developed and maintained friendly relationship. During your term as the Indonesian Ambassador to China, how will you contribute your wisdom and valuable experience to promote the smooth relationship development between China and Indonesia?" the journalist asked.    "Indonesia and China have historic and fruitful partnership. Especially after President Xi Jinping successfully visited Indonesia in 2013, the two countries have been developing comprehensive partnership in all fields. This strong relationship set a good political foundation for economic cooperation between the two countries. Indonesian President Joko attended the APEC meeting in 2014, his trip further promoted the bilateral collaboration between China and Indonesia. There are five areas worthy of attention in the future: 1. Strengthen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation; 2. Make more convenient policies for Chinese investments in Indonesia; 3. Strengthen tourism exchanges; 4. Strengthen cultural exchanges, especially for the youth in both countries to exchange more frequently for the future strategic relationship between China and Indonesia; 5. Strengthen maritime cooperation. Indonesian President Joko introduced "Maritime Power Strategy", which shares the same vision as President Xi's "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiatives. As the Indonesian Ambassador to China, I will actively promote the "Maritime Silk Road" projects to build more connections between friendly cities, mutual economic trading and investments with more practical results in the near future." The ambassador answered.    Journalist: "Since you became the Ambassador to China in last March, you have been closely connected between China and Indonesia. You have been many places in China, like Fujian, Shandong, and Hainan etc. In Beijing APEC Summit, you also attended the bilateral meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. In your opinions, what are the potentials both countries could cooperate with each other in the future?"    "There is great potential for bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, infrastructure, special economic zones and other sectors between China and Indonesia. To attract Chinese investments, Indonesia's new government is committed to simplifying laws and regulations related to foreign investment, which is one of the Indonesian major reformations in institutional mechanisms. We are working to improve government efficiency and public management. With more than 200 million people, Indonesia is a big country in Southeast Asia, and it is also an important member in the Asian markets. China is Asia's largest and most dynamic market. Strengthening cooperation between the two countries will create more than one fifth of the global market share. Therefore, we must promote mutual understanding about each other's national conditions, social conditions, and business environments. As long as we persist in advancing the development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, we can overcome the difficulties together. In the near future, Indonesia will welcome more Chinese companies and investors. It is also my responsibility to serve them better." the ambassador answered.    "Indonesia and China have splendid culture, and they share a lot of common characteristics. Could you please introduce a little bit about Indonesian culture and tourism?"    "Indonesia is a famous cultural place with long history, splendid culture and many attractions. Indonesia is the country in the world with the most islands. It has long coastline and rich tourism resources, particularly the beautiful tropical scenery. According to the China and Indonesia's Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration signed in 2005, the two countries will further strengthen cultural exchanges in more diversified forms, including heritage conservation cooperation, precious cultural relics exhibitions, co-produced films and many creative partnerships." Ambassador said.    Thank you very much for accepting our interview and we wish you a happy life in China!