Jakarta. OCBC Indonesia and OCBC Singapore recently demonstrated their commitment to strengthening Indonesia-China’s economic ties.

On Aug. 26-27, the banks held the OCBC One Connect 2025 business forum that facilitated strategic meetings between business players, stakeholders, and investors from both countries. The two-day event aimed to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing sector by creating an integrated industrial ecosystem and cross-border collaboration.

The forum highlighted the rising Chinese investments in Indonesia. Data showed that Chinese foreign direct investments totaled $30.5 billion between 2021 and the first half of 2025. This represents 24 percent of Indonesia’s total foreign investments. OCBC One Connect serves as a catalyst to bridge China's investment needs with Indonesia's local capabilities.

OCBC’s director Martin Widjaja said that the company’s role was more than just a banking solutions provider.

"Manufacturing growth cannot be supported solely by capital. It requires an interconnected ecosystem, from infrastructure and regulations to financing support. OCBC is present not only as a banking solutions provider, but also as a bridge between countries," Martin said.

Earlier this year, Indonesia and China signed a string of memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Both countries agreed to strengthen industrial cooperation, develop the so-called twin parks, and use local currencies in bilateral trade. This initiative has opened up opportunities for businesses to operate more efficiently with lower currency risks.

OCBC's Role in the Integrated Ecosystem
OCBC offers various corporate banking solutions such as industrial project financing, cross-border cash management, and trade finance. OCBC also has a China Business Desk service. They are also among the appointed cross currency dealer banks for the local currency settlements between the two countries.

"Through OCBC One Connect 2025, we want to strengthen OCBC's position as a key banking partner for Chinese companies looking to enter the Indonesian market intelligently and strategically. We are opening up broader business opportunities by leveraging the strength of our local network and international connections," Martin said.

Deputy Investment Minister Todotua Pasaribu praised OCBC’s initiative. Investments can help spur economic growth as the government pursues an 8 percent annual growth rate, according to Todotua.

"Investment contributes around 30 percent to economic growth,” Todotua said, while adding that attracting investors to Indonesia’s downstream industries were among the government’s priorities.

Todotua said that he hoped the OCBC One Connect 2025 could encourage Chinese manufacturing players into investing in Indonesia. This way, they can participate in the government's efforts to meet the needs of the global supply chain.

OCBC One Connect 2025 represents the synergy between banks, the government, and businesses -- something that is key to building an integrated manufacturing ecosystem between Indonesia and China for a sustainable economic growth.

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