by Zhang Yisheng and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani
JAKARTA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- As Indonesia accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy, interest in affordable and reliable green technology is surging among both industry players and everyday consumers.
For Anif Putramijaya, a visitor at this week's Solartech Indonesia exhibition in Jakarta, Chinese-made solar panels present a compelling value proposition.
Planning to install solar panels at his home, he is also considering entering the installation business, motivated by the diverse range and competitive pricing of Chinese products.
"You cannot look at China with only half an eye," he told Xinhua, noting that Chinese providers offer high-quality solutions across diverse price points, making durable technology widely accessible.
The three-day exhibition from April 22 to 24 featured over 1,000 exhibitors, underscoring the burgeoning cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian firms in the renewable energy sector.
As Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia is viewed as a high-potential market due to its electrification goals and commitment to energy transition, a potential that Chinese companies are increasingly eager to tap.
Bill Wang, managing director of China's Qingdao Wangbaoqiang Industry, expressed confidence in the Indonesian market, noting that a significant portion of the country's nearly 290 million people still lack adequate access to clean energy.
"I expected there to be a big market in Indonesia," Wang said, emphasizing that the company's vision is to leverage Indonesia as a strategic launchpad to enter neighboring countries.
Indonesian businesses also view Chinese firms as strategic collaborators, particularly in advancing energy infrastructure.
Anthony Utomo, president director of Utomo SolaRUV, noted that the heavy presence of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands in Indonesia is a primary catalyst for infrastructure development.
The prevalence of Chinese car brands creates a "strategic importance" to develop EV infrastructure that is compatible with the technology already established in the market, he said, noting ongoing efforts to expand charging networks.
This cooperation aligns with Indonesia's national development agenda, which places energy transition at its core. The government aims to add 69.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity between 2025 and 2034, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. These ambitious targets are expected to create immense opportunities for international collaboration in the years ahead. ■