Jakarta, INTI - Chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to discuss strengthening Indonesia-China cooperation across a range of strategic sectors.
During the meeting, Luhut expressed Indonesia’s interest in learning from China’s development experience, including the implementation of its 15th Five-Year Plan.
“Indonesia hopes to learn from China’s successful experience in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan and deepen cooperation across emerging strategic industries, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, healthcare services, advanced manufacturing, and digital finance,” Luhut said, according to a statement published on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accessed by ANTARA in Beijing on Thursday.
Indonesia Targets Cooperation in Strategic Industries
Beyond emerging industries, Indonesia also aims to expand cooperation with China in mining and human resource development.
The two countries are also exploring opportunities for joint production, research and development, and innovation.
“Indonesia also seeks to strengthen cooperation in mining and human resource development, while exploring opportunities for joint production, research and development, as well as innovation,” Luhut added.
Luhut emphasized that Indonesia attaches significant importance to its relationship with China, citing the strong friendship and mutual trust that have developed between the two countries.
“China is Indonesia’s most reliable and long-term strategic partner in the country’s national development. Indonesia’s development cannot be separated from China’s support and participation, while the friendship between the two countries continues to gain a stronger place among the Indonesian people,” Luhut said.
He further stressed Indonesia’s readiness to work with China to translate their comprehensive strategic partnership into more tangible cooperation that delivers practical benefits to the people of both countries.
The Beijing meeting was not the first recent encounter between Luhut and Wang Yi.
The two officials previously met in Jakarta on August 22, 2026, when Wang Yi attended the inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) between Indonesia and China.
During the visit, Wang Yi also participated in the second Indonesia-China 2+2 Dialogue involving the two countries’ foreign and defense ministers.
China Calls for Greater Alignment of Development Strategies
Wang Yi said a series of bilateral meetings between Indonesia and China had helped strengthen mutual understanding and trust.
“China and Indonesia are both major countries and representatives of emerging economies. Deepening strategic communication and strengthening strategic cooperation not only serve the interests of the peoples of both countries, but also have significance that extends beyond bilateral relations,” Wang Yi said.
He said China welcomed Indonesia’s efforts to accelerate its development and was willing to work together to encourage countries across the Global South to strengthen their collective capacity.
“China-Indonesia cooperation has a strong foundation and is also opening up new prospects. The two countries should further align their development strategies and promote the transformation and upgrading of bilateral cooperation,” Wang Yi added.
According to Wang Yi, Indonesia and China will continue their longstanding cooperation in energy and mineral resources, infrastructure, and industrial parks.
China also expressed its willingness to develop new areas of cooperation with Indonesia, including artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, information technology, education, and human resource development.
Wang Yi also welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s decision for Indonesia to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, describing it as a prudent choice.
“China is ready to work with Indonesia to promote the development of artificial intelligence in a progressive, inclusive manner that serves the broader interests and well-being of society,” Wang Yi said.
China further expressed its willingness to support Indonesia in strengthening its independent development capabilities and accelerating its modernization process.
“China also hopes that Indonesia will create a favorable environment and provide strong policy support for Chinese companies to operate and grow in Indonesia in a stable and sustainable manner,” Wang Yi said.
Wang Yi expressed hope that the National Economic Council, under Luhut’s leadership, would continue to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly by promoting more mutually beneficial Indonesia-China cooperation.
Conclusion
The meeting between Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Wang Yi underscores Indonesia and China’s commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Beyond traditional sectors such as energy, mining, and infrastructure, both countries are expanding cooperation into emerging fields including AI, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, digital finance, and human resource development. The discussions also highlight opportunities for joint production, research, and innovation, positioning technology and industrial transformation as important areas for future bilateral cooperation.
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