Fresh from the presidential seat, Prabowo Subianto’s first diplomatic steps took him directly to Beijing—a choice that speaks volumes. Meeting with top-tier Chinese officials like President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Prabowo was more than a little interested in nurturing a working relationship with China. His economic plans for Indonesia lean on this friendship, evidenced by the two countries’ signing of $10 billion worth of agreements. Infrastructure, digital tech, and renewable energy. Prabowo is pulling out all the stops, but the relationship will test his diplomatic dexterity.
A key takeaway from Prabowo’s visit was a shared vision for a greener tomorrow. The two leaders launched a “Green Mineral Resources Partnership” to help propel Indonesia’s renewable energy goals. By focusing on green energy sectors, including new energy vehicles and lithium battery production, the partnership is not only about clean energy but also about China’s role in developing Indonesia’s upcoming capital, Nusantara. This green pact might be a win-win on paper, but it’s bound to stir questions about how much of the control Prabowo is willing to cede to Chinese influence, even on Indonesia’s home turf.
Then there’s China’s nod of approval for Prabowo’s ambitious social welfare program—free nutritious meals for Indonesia’s impoverished. Prabowo praised China’s approach to rapid economic growth and poverty alleviation, expressing hopes to draw lessons from their playbook. China has pledged to pitch in, though the extent remains vague. For Prabowo, the alliance is one way to position himself as the president focused on uplifting the poor. But how Indonesian communities will feel about Chinese-backed initiatives directly impacting their daily lives is another question.
As it stands, Indonesia is no stranger to the side effects of Chinese investment. Environmental degradation in nickel-rich regions like Sulawesi has caused friction, with pollution and community displacement clouding the benefits of such projects. Labor conditions, too, have raised concerns as low wages and poor working environments appear to follow in the wake of certain investments. So while the economic partnership with China shows potential, Prabowo has yet to address how these deals will reconcile with his commitments to environmental and social justice.
One thing is clear: Indonesia’s balancing act is delicate, especially with China’s interests spilling into the contentious waters of the South China Sea. While Indonesia has publicly stated that recent agreements do not recognize China’s maritime claims, the optics of collaboration in disputed areas near the Natuna Islands could risk suggesting otherwise. Prabowo’s choice to visit the U.S. soon after his China trip underscores his need to keep both superpowers at arm’s length while maintaining Indonesia’s independence. For Prabowo, the stakes are high, and his foreign policy compass will need to be sharper than ever.
(Source: Bangkok Post | Associated Press)
