China and Indonesia have marked 75 years of diplomatic ties with a series of milestones that underscore a deepening partnership in trade, culture, and education. Leaders from both sides exchanged warm congratulations as they celebrated decades of mutual growth and set the stage for future collaborative ventures.
A notable highlight was the arrival of the first shipment of 200 kilograms of fresh coconuts from Indonesia in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. Fuzhou Customs official Song Jing emphasized that "China's vast market provides significant export opportunities for Indonesian coconuts," a move expected to bolster Indonesia's coconut industry while also invigorating processing and logistics sectors in China.
The economic ties between the two nations remain robust. Bilateral trade reached nearly $148 billion in 2024, with the first two months of 2025 recording a trade volume of 172.57 billion yuan—an increase of 4.7 percent year-on-year. Moreover, Chinese investments in Indonesia span key areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, industrial parks, and energy. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Southeast Asia's first high-speed rail project and a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, has already transported over eight million passengers since its completion in 2023, significantly reducing travel time and fueling regional economic development.
Cultural and educational exchanges further cement the strong bilateral relationship. Thousands of Indonesian students are taking advantage of opportunities to study in China through expanding academic programs and scholarships, a trend noted by Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong. At the same time, cultural ties flourish as Chinese cuisine, martial arts, and festivals—like the Spring Festival, now celebrated nationally in Indonesia—take root. Enhanced tourism is evident with the introduction of direct flight routes, notably from Guangzhou to Surabaya, and visa-free access for Chinese travelers to popular destinations like Bali.
Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun highlighted tourism as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, mentioning Indonesia's goal of attracting 2 million Chinese tourists in 2025. In his congratulatory message to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the enduring friendship and achievements of the past 75 years, expressing a commitment to further enhancing this comprehensive strategic partnership for shared growth and development.
This multifaceted relationship between China and Indonesia continues to evolve, setting a global example of how strategic economic, cultural, and educational partnerships can drive prosperity and mutual understanding in an interconnected world.
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China, Indonesia mark 75 years with stronger trade, cultural ties
cgtn.com
