Editorial
Indonesia and China should focus on solidarity and cooperation with an approach of strategic maturity, as their ties bear significance far beyond either bilateral or regional dimensions.
Foreign Minister Sugiono (second right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (second left) stand with their defense counterparts Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (right) and Dong Jun for a photo op on Aug. 21, 2026, during the Indonesia-China joint foreign and defense ministerial dialogue at the Foreign Ministry in Centra Jakarta. (Reuters/Edgar Su)
Indonesia and China really need to get their relationship right, not just for themselves but also for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.Last week in Jakarta, the two countries showed they understood the stakes, holding the second 2+2 foreign and defense ministerial meeting and launching the Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue foreign ministers’ mechanism, both under the Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These were not ceremonial talks but a deliberate step to lock in regular, high-level dialogue.
Beyond security and defense, the talks placed heavy emphasis on economic partnership and joint development, agreeing to expand bilateral trade, bolster green energy and mineral cooperation, deepen local currency transactions and advance key infrastructure under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
