Jakarta, INTI – The growing digital economy has become a key driver of global economic growth. Recognizing this potential, Indonesia and China are intensifying their cooperation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. The recent visit of the Nanning delegation to Indonesia marks another significant step in strengthening this collaboration.
Nanning Delegation Strengthens Digital Economy Cooperation
A delegation from Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, visited Indonesia from March 23 to March 25 2025. One of the main objectives of this visit was to enhance digital economy cooperation between Nanning and Indonesia.
The delegation, led by Nong Shengwen, Secretary of the Party Committee in Nanning, attended an economic and trade exchange event between Nanning and Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. During the event, several investment projects were promoted, showcasing Nanning's geographical advantages and its role in the industrial chain in the fields of digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, and more.
Additionally, the Nanning delegation presented plans and developments related to the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center to Indonesian attendees. The event was also attended by Deputy Minister for Investment Promotion of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Nurul Ichwan, along with other key figures.
As a concrete result of this meeting, both parties signed a Letter of Intention (LOI) for several major projects, with a total investment value exceeding 1 billion yuan (1 yuan = Rp 2,288).
Nanning's Strategic Position in ASEAN Cooperation
As a key hub of the Belt and Road Initiative and an important gateway for China to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries, Nanning continues to prioritize collaboration with Indonesia across various sectors, including the digital economy. Through the development of AI-related facilities and academies, this cooperation is expected to expand in AI engineering, digital talent development, digital infrastructure construction, and the application of AI in multiple scenarios in the future.
Indonesia and China Promote the Establishment of the ASEAN AI Innovation Center
Cooperation between Indonesia and China is expected to drive inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth in the ASEAN region. As part of this effort, Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, met with Nanning Party Secretary Nong Shengwen to discuss AI technology development and the establishment of a joint AI innovation center in the ASEAN region.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, marked an important milestone in Indonesia’s digital transformation. Furthermore, it opened significant opportunities for AI utilization in the agricultural sector and smart city development.
"The digital infrastructure cooperation between Indonesia and China is the largest among our collaborations with other countries. It has supported connectivity across Indonesia, including remote areas, through 4G and 5G technology," said Meutya during the meeting.
Meutya also expressed Indonesia’s interest in expanding AI cooperation with Nanning, which has successfully developed an AI-driven smart city. "We can learn from Nanning’s experience in building a smart city. Additionally, the vast potential of digital startups and digital talent in Nanning can serve as an inspiration for developing Indonesia’s digital ecosystem," she stated.
According to her, AI development in Indonesia will also be directed towards supporting the agricultural sector, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of strengthening food security. "We are open to collaborating with various countries, including China, in AI technology development. Our target is to create 9 million highly skilled digital talents in AI by 2030," she added.
Nanning’s Commitment to AI Technology Development
Meanwhile, Nanning Party Secretary Nong Shengwen reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through technological innovation. "We would like to invite Indonesian companies to collaborate in AI technology development in Nanning," he said.
Nong Shengwen also emphasized Nanning’s readiness to provide full support, including policies and facilities, to Indonesian companies interested in collaboration. "We hope to establish a China-ASEAN AI cooperation and innovation center in Indonesia, with full support from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs," he added.
The Future of Indonesia-China Digital Cooperation
With increasing digital transformation across industries, the collaboration between Indonesia and Nanning is expected to drive innovation and economic growth. Future initiatives may focus on further AI integration in smart cities, fintech, logistics, and e-commerce. Additionally, talent exchange programs and joint research initiatives can further strengthen this partnership.
Conclusion
The visit of the Nanning delegation to Indonesia underscores the importance of digital economy and AI cooperation between the two countries. With various investment projects agreed upon, both Indonesia and China have significant opportunities to share knowledge and technology to support digital transformation. The success of this collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of the digital ecosystem, strengthen economic resilience, and create more opportunities for digital talent in both nations. This initiative is also part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral relations and support sustainable development in the ASEAN region.
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