Indonesian President Prabowo stated, “We consider China a good friend and the United States a good friend as well. Indonesia wants to be a bridge.”
On the afternoon of April 11th, during the 2025 Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) held in Turkey, Indonesian President Prabowo expressed to the media his hope that the United States and China would eventually reach some kind of agreement regarding their trade war. Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s foreign policy has always adhered to the principle of “respecting all countries,” striving to maintain good relations with both China and the United States. “We do not take sides; we respect all countries. China is our good friend, and the United States is also our good friend. We wish to be a bridge connecting both sides,” said Prabowo.
In response to doubts about whether Indonesia might distance itself from China and turn towards the United States,
Prabowo gave a clear denial: “It is impossible; the relationship between China and Indonesia is already very close, and cooperation cannot be severed.” He reiterated that Indonesia always insists on resolving issues through dialogue to avoid conflicts.
In his video speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Prabowo further elaborated on Indonesia’s diplomatic philosophy. He stated that Indonesia aspires to be a bridge and mediator between global and regional powers and will promote a policy of “good-neighborliness and friendship” in the future, establishing stable cooperative relationships not only with neighboring countries but also with major powers around the world.
Seize the Initiative and Invest in Indonesia – A Call to Action for Manufacturing Decision-Makers
In today’s global trade landscape, which is undergoing a significant reshaping, the most costly strategy is to merely observe! As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia is offering a “zero-time-lag” production plan for the manufacturing industry with a combination of national economic special zones and ready-to-use standardized factories:
1. Tariff Breakthrough
Avoid the 125% additional tariffs imposed by the United States on China, and enjoy the benefits of the Indonesia-ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which offer duty-free exports for 90% of goods within the region.
2. Cost Lock-in
– Tax Policies: Enterprises in special zones enjoy a 15-year corporate income tax exemption (first 5 years tax-free, next 10 years at half rate), and full exemption from import tariffs on equipment.
– Labor Costs: 38% of the workforce is under 25 years old, with an average monthly salary in manufacturing that is only one-third of that in China.
– Energy Security: Electricity prices are approximately 0.5 CNY per kWh, with peak prices at 0.75 CNY.
– Employee Social Insurance: Health insurance is paid by both the enterprise and the employee at 1% of the salary each, pension insurance is paid by the enterprise at 8.4% of the salary, and work injury insurance is paid by the enterprise at 0.24% of the salary (totaling less than 10%).
3. Ready-to-Use Facilities
The Batang Economic Special Zone in Central Java Province offers 1 million square meters of high-standard factories for immediate lease and use:
– Complete infrastructure
– Proximity to highways
– Bonded area
– Energy-efficient green buildings
– One-stop service
At this moment, what is even more scarce than a “low-cost base” is a “strategic springboard” resource.
Please contact our investment promotion team immediately to obtain a customized landing plan – starting while others hesitate is the true dimensionality reduction competition!
The Economic Special Zone Management Committee in East Java Province, Indonesia, has bilingual specialists ready to respond 24/7.
