Chinese enterprises are deploying to develop Indonesia's aluminum downstream industry
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources recently stated that multiple Chinese enterprises have begun to focus on Indonesia's aluminum industry, which is expected to promote the previously stalled bauxite downstream processing. These Chinese companies have invested in the downstream bauxite sector, and some are planning to expand into aluminum smelters. Shandong Nanshan Aluminum has invested in the Galang Batang Special Economic Zone on Bintan Island, China Hongqiao Group has invested through PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery in West Kalimantan, and some companies are planning to expand into aluminum smelters. Indonesia's bauxite reserves are about 7.4 billion tons, of which 2.7 billion
China's anti-dumping tariff on Indonesia will affect nickel ore prices
Chinese Goods Transshipment via Indonesia Draws US Attention
Apple to Build Production Factory in Batam This Year
Chinese Enterprises Sign Collaboration Contracts Exceeding 3 Billion Yuan
Hongqi Plans to Enter the Indonesian Automotive Market
PT IMG Sejahtera Langgeng, a subsidiary of PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional Tbk, has signed a cooperation agreement with China FAW Group Import and Export Co., Ltd. Under the agreement, IMGSL will be responsible for the distribution of complete vehicles and parts for Hongqi (Red Flag) vehicles in Indonesia, including after-sales services. The Hongqi brand was launched in 1958 and has served as the official car for Chinese leaders and state events, symbolizing China's automotive industry. In the late 1970s, it transitioned to market orientation, and after launching a new design strategy in 2018, its sales and global exports have gradually increased.
China Remains Indonesia's Largest Import Source
In 2024, Indonesia's import value reached US$235.2 billion, an increase of 5.42% from US$221.9 billion in 2023. Among them, oil and gas imports were US$36.28 billion, and non-oil and gas imports were US$198.9 billion. Indonesia's top ten import source countries in 2024 were China, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and India. Imports from these ten countries increased by US$12.3 billion in 2024 compared to 2023, a growth of 7.59%, and their share of Indonesia's total imports rose from 72.91% in 2023 to 74.41% in 2024.
Bali Consulate General Reminds of Volcanic Eruption Impact
At noon on July 7, 2025, Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara erupted violently again, with ash columns reaching approximately 18,000 meters. Since mid-June, the volcano's alert level has remained at the highest level, Level 4. Local authorities have asked residents and tourists not to enter within a 7-kilometer radius of the crater. The Consulate reminds Chinese citizens in its jurisdiction to closely follow warning information issued by relevant Indonesian authorities, enhance safety awareness, strengthen self-protection, and avoid entering volcanic warning zones. Due to the high concentration of volcanic ash, temporary flight cancellations or disruptions at airports in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara cannot be ruled out.
Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed rail requires government support
The President Director of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) stated that the continued progress of the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed rail project depends on government support. Due to the high construction costs of high-speed rail, not all banks or financial institutions have the capacity and willingness to provide financing. Therefore, in many countries, the supply of high-speed rail usually comes from the government, depending on the government's willingness. At least the land and some infrastructure must be provided by the government. If all costs are borne by KCIC, it would increase the burden of investment recovery and lengthen the payback period. This is one of the lessons learned from the previous Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail Whoosh
Indonesian police use Chinese-made aircraft for patrols
The Indonesian National Police has procured the Chinese brand EHang 216-S electric air taxi from PT Prestisius Aviasi Indonesia (Prestige Aviation). The air taxi was displayed at the 79th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian National Police and will be used to enhance police aerial patrols. The Executive Chairman of Prestige Aviation said that this procurement shows the Indonesian police are serious about adopting future technology to strengthen services and national security responses, and also symbolizes that the Indonesian police are ready to adapt to global technological developments
Chinese-funded enterprises drive development of local SMEs in Indonesia
The Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) has driven the development of local SMEs. Over the past five years, the number of enterprises in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, has surged by 62.7%, rebounding to 7,643 in March 2025. Significant growth was seen in 2023, reaching 6,617 in February and 7,299 in August; growth slowed in 2024, with only a slight increase to 7,318. The presence of IMIP Industrial Park has greatly promoted the development of local MSMEs, which have sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Rows of small shops, stalls, and semi-permanent store buildings have become a bustling scene in residents' lives.
Chinese Auto Brands Spark Price War in Indonesia
Chinese auto brands in the Indonesian market are increasingly engaged in a price war. According to Gaikindo data, from January to May 2025, Indonesia's wholesale car sales dropped 5.5% year-on-year, from 335,405 units in the same period of 2024 to 316,981 units; retail sales fell 9.2% year-on-year, from 362,163 units to 328,852 units. Chinese car manufacturers have been cutting prices in the Indonesian market, with reductions ranging from hundreds of thousands to nearly tens of millions of rupiah, indicating intensifying competition among brands. When Chery Omoda E5 was first launched in February 2024, its on-road price in Jakarta was 498.8 million rupiah, later renamed Chery E5, the price was drastically reduced to 399.9 million rupiah, with the Pure version starting at 369.9 million rupiah, a reduction of nearly 100 million rupiah; BAIC BJ40 Plus locally assembled model price dropped from 790 million rupiah for the imported CBU to 698 million rupiah, a reduction of 92 million rupiah. The Chief Operating Officer of BAIC Indonesia stated that the price reduction was due to local assembly eliminating import duties, not because of reduced features; Jetour Dashing and X70 Plus, due to supply chain efficiency improvements, Jetour twice reduced prices for these two SUVs. Dashing Journey version dropped to 348.8 million rupiah, Inspira version 379.8 million rupiah; X70 Plus Journey version 359.8 million rupiah, Inspira version 389.8 million rupiah. In October 2024, Jetour had started CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production of these two models at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM) plant. When first launched, the Dashing was priced at 389.8 million rupiah and the X70 Plus at 414.8 million rupiah.