In 2013, the Chinese leader first proposed the concept of building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in Indonesia. In 2014, Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated, “The future of the Indonesian nation lies in the ocean.” With a shared vision, bilateral cooperation between China and Indonesia has been continuously deepened through the Belt and Road Initiative.
The construction and development of the park have also brought more employment opportunities to the local area. Over 10 years, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved from laying the foundation and erecting pillars to taking root and developing sustainably, bringing investment and cooperation, as well as development and opportunities to both China and Indonesia.
Achieving Over 90% Localization of Human Resources
In terms of integrating Indonesia’s advantageous industrial chain, what specific aspects can promote the complementary strengths of the industrial chains between China and Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of the world’s richest countries in laterite nickel resources. Leveraging the abundant upstream resources, we work with international and domestic partners to create a complete new energy industrial chain from “nickel-cobalt resource mining – hydrometallurgy – precursor – cathode material – battery application.”
Currently, the hydrometallurgy project under construction in the park is about to be put into production. Subsequently, we will actively develop the production of new energy battery materials and other products.
We understand that although Indonesia has abundant laterite nickel ore reserves and production, various factors have constrained the development of the local nickel processing industry. How do you address issues like weak infrastructure, outdated technology, and talent shortages?
To address the weak infrastructure issue faced by on-site mining factories, our solution is to build a park with comprehensive supporting facilities, such as an independent power grid system. Additionally, the current sea, land, and air transportation conditions of the park are relatively good. The park also uses the world’s advanced smelting technology.
Regarding talent needs, the park has been widely training talent in excavator, loader, truck, and electric welding cutting skills through the skills training center since 2019. Furthermore, we actively promote skills and technology transfer between China and Indonesia through programs like mentoring and technical training.
Supporting Clean Energy Development
In a tropical archipelago country like Indonesia, how does the Weda Bay Industrial Park balance industrial development and the protection of the surrounding ecological environment?
In a tropical archipelago country like Indonesia, how does the Weda Bay Industrial Park balance industrial development and the protection of the surrounding ecological environment?
During development, we place a high emphasis on green environmental protection. We fulfill our commitment to the ecological environment through technological innovation, building on-site mining factories, creating a circular economy, and reducing energy consumption and emissions.
In your view, what role should Chinese enterprises play in helping Indonesia achieve its carbon reduction goals and green development?
Green technology innovation and the transfer of technical experience are the foundations for achieving green development. I think we can start by continuously pushing for technological innovation and transferring technology and experience to the local area, consciously supporting or developing sustainable, reliable alternative or clean energy.
What tangible impacts can China-Indonesia cooperation bring?
Currently, the industrial park has driven cooperation between enterprises from China, Indonesia, France, South Korea, Australia, India, and other countries, creating a complementary, shared, and circular virtuous economic circle among the enterprises.
