Prabowo and Xi Jinping Strengthen Indonesia-China Relations: From Coconut Exports to Green Minerals

Jakarta, INTI — The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, along with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing of seven strategic cooperation agreements across various sectors. The signing ceremony, held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marks a new era of stronger bilateral relations between Indonesia and China.

These cooperation agreements encompass key sectors, including agriculture, blue economy, mineral resources, and product standardization. Through these agreements, both countries are committed to strengthening relations in various fields, creating greater economic opportunities, and promoting environmental conservation.

Boosting Fresh Coconut Exports to China

One of the most noteworthy agreements is the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Fresh Coconut Exports from Indonesia to China. This protocol opens the way for Indonesia to increase fresh coconut exports to China, where there is high demand for tropical fruits. The protocol will ensure that Indonesian coconut products meet the phytosanitary requirements set by China, thereby ensuring product quality and safety.

With broader market access, Indonesia is expected to increase export value in the agricultural sector, which plays a significant role in the national economy. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the export value of Indonesian tropical fruits reaches billions of dollars per year, with potential for continuous growth as global demand rises.

Blue Economy Cooperation for Marine Resource Management

Another vital agreement is the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Blue Economy Cooperation. The blue economy concept emphasizes sustainable management of marine resources, covering sectors such as fishing, marine tourism, and renewable ocean energy. With this cooperation, Indonesia and China will strive to preserve marine ecosystems, reduce harmful fishing practices, and foster innovation in marine renewable energy.

This cooperation aligns with the Indonesian government's goal to create a sustainable marine economy, where the ocean is not only a resource but also an ecological asset that must be preserved.

Green Minerals for a Cleaner Future

In the area of mineral resources, Indonesia and China also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Green Mineral Cooperation to support the transition toward clean energy. Green minerals like nickel and copper are essential in the electric vehicle and battery industries. Through this cooperation, mineral management in Indonesia is expected to become more efficient and environmentally friendly.

This agreement is also anticipated to encourage investment in the mining sector, where Indonesia has the potential to become a major supplier of green minerals to the global industry, particularly in China, a leading market for electric vehicles.

Conformity Assessment for Improved Product Standards

A key point in the partnership is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Conformity Assessment Cooperation. This agreement aims to strengthen product standardization and certification systems between Indonesia and China, allowing products from both countries to be more easily accepted in each other's markets, thereby enhancing product quality and safety in the global market.

This conformity assessment initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the international market, where product certification and standards are increasingly crucial for consumers.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations for a Better Future

The agreements between Indonesia and China reflect a strong commitment from both nations to build a more resilient and mutually beneficial relationship. Through collaboration in various sectors, both countries are expected to achieve economic benefits and environmental sustainability in the future.