Jakarta. Major investor China has reiterated that mutual benefit will remain key in its engagements with the resource-rich Indonesia.

Southeast Asia’s biggest economy received an influx of best wishes from its foreign partners as it marked its 81st Independence Day on Monday. In many of the messages, the partners — including Beijing — gave an overview of how they perceive Jakarta.

“Over the past 81 years, Indonesia has grown into a dynamic force, regionally and globally, with its rich culture, growing economy, and active role in international affairs,” Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong said.

“As a trusted, comprehensive strategic partner, China looks forward to working hand in hand with Indonesia to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and take our bilateral relationship to new heights.”

Wang’s message was brief. But bilateral ties have had their highs and lows in recent years.

Jakarta's membership in China’s global artificial intelligence (AI) body, WAICO, has given a fresh impetus. Senior economic minister Airlangga Hartarto, however, refused to frame the WAICO seat as Indonesia taking China's side in its global AI split with the US. He signaled Jakarta’s intention of joining the alliance’s US counterpart Pax Silica, indicating the country’s neutral stance.

Beijing denied having “robbed” Indonesia’s abundant natural resources following Prabowo's constant outbursts against foreign interference. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jiang told the press that the "extremely fruitful" economic ties had been a win-win. He also stayed upbeat that Jakarta would protect Chinese companies’ interests.

Earlier this year, Chinese businessmen slammed Indonesia’s investment climate in an open letter to Prabowo, citing “abrupt” nickel-related policy shifts. Wang later told the press that the governments had kept a “very open communication channel”.

Indonesia has just launched an anti-dumping probe against Chinese superabsorbent polymers, a key material for diapers, following a request by the Japan-backed chemical firm Nippon Shokubai Indonesia. According to the probe committee, China made up roughly 62% of Indonesia’s superabsorbent polymer imports in 2022-2025.

Investment inflows from mainland China into Indonesia totaled $3.9 billion in January-June 2026, government data showed. Hong Kong investors pumped a whopping $7.6 billion in that first half. Combined, the Chinese bloc surpassed the leading foreign investor, Singapore, which had invested $8.8 billion.

China also dominates Indonesia’s nickel refining capacity.

Trade has been heavily tilting in Beijing’s favor. Indonesia’s deficit with mainland China reached $13.6 billion over the same period. The country saw a $301.1 million surplus with Hong Kong alone.

Add as a preferred source on Google +