Jakarta. Indonesia is sticking to the “One China Policy” as Taiwan elected Lai Ching-Te its president in Saturday's election. 

Lai Ching-te, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party or DPP’s presidential pick, secured over 40 percent of the popular votes in the election. The DPP does not acknowledge the One China principle, which sees Taiwan as part of greater China. Indonesia has been maintaining a strict “One China Policy”. And this position remains unchanged despite the election, according to Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“Indonesia is closely observing the developments in Taiwan. Indonesia will consistently adhere to the One China Policy,” Lalu said via text on Sunday, commenting on the Taiwanese election.

Indonesia last year said it would continue to recognize the One China principle when President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to the joint statement, Indonesia recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. Jakarta also acknowledges the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China. 

“[Indonesia] … firmly supports the Chinese government’s efforts to achieve peaceful national reunification. The Chinese side resolutely supports Indonesia's national unity and territorial integrity,” the Indonesia-China joint press statement issued last October reads.

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Indonesia and Taiwan have been trading with one another. 

Government data shows Indonesia-Taiwan trade totaled $9.9 billion in January-November 2023. Indonesia enjoyed a $2.6 billion surplus over the said period. Indonesia has also set up a trade office in Taipei. The same goes for Taiwan which has established a similar office in Jakarta.

Lai Ching-te, who will take office in May, defeated Kuomintang’s Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party.

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