JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia invites Chinese companies not only to invest in the country, but to build together with Indonesia -- creating stronger supply chains, developing talent, advancing technology, and serving regional and global markets from here, Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan Roeslani told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"The opportunity is substantial, the direction is clear, and our commitment to long-term partnership remains strong," said Rosan. "China is a cornerstone partner, and we continue to diversify our relationships to stay resilient."
China is one of Indonesia's primary strategic drivers as the Southeast Asian country accelerates industrialization and pursues the aspiration of economic growth, said the minister, adding that China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for thirteen consecutive years and remains consistently among its top three sources of foreign direct investment.
According to Rosan, the bilateral relationship has evolved from raw commodities into genuine industrial integration in mineral downstreaming, the electric-vehicle battery supply chain, digital infrastructure and renewable energy.
"Our cooperation is also contributing to supply-chain resilience in the region. As global companies diversify production and sourcing, Indonesia and China have an opportunity to build more balanced, technology-oriented partnerships in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and future industries," he said.
The "Two countries, Twin parks" initiative, under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, is moving steadily from concept to ground as it creates an integrated industrial ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated projects, said Rosan, adding that the initiative also connects investment, manufacturing, logistics, skills development and market access across both countries, making it easier for companies of all sizes to participate in regional value chains.
Rosan noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is creating unprecedented demand for data centers, cloud infrastructure, advanced electronics, and reliable power supply. Indonesia is well positioned to participate in this transformation because it combines a large digital market, abundant renewable-energy potential, competitive industrial zones, and a strategic location at the heart of ASEAN, said Rosan, who welcomes Chinese investors to participate in Indonesia's digital transition and AI industry development.
Since it entered into force for Indonesia in 2023, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has strengthened regional integration through improved market access, streamlined customs procedures, and a common set of rules of origin, thereby improving supply-chain connectivity and drawing Indonesian firms into regional value chains, said Rosan.
"We view the ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Area) 3.0 Upgrade, signed in October 2025, as the natural next step. It deepens ASEAN-China cooperation in the areas that will define the next decade -- the digital economy, the green economy, supply-chain resilience, standards, and small and medium-sized enterprises," he said.
"For Indonesia, it is an opportunity to attract quality investment, lift industrial competitiveness and support inclusive, sustainable growth," Rosan added. ■