Indonesia Meets China: Prabowo and Xi Discuss Giant Sea Walls and More!
Well, well, well! It seems that over in the bustling streets of Beijing, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a little tête-à-tête that could make even a soap opera look dull. Their conversation danced around topics that had less intrigue but equal importance — the blue economy and giant sea walls! Yes, you heard that right: giant sea walls. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the start of a blockbuster action movie. “Giant Sea Wall: The Rise of Prabowo!” Someone call Dwayne Johnson!
Our good friend, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, spilled the beans post-meeting. He claimed that the pair emphasized maritime affairs, energy, and fisheries — or as I like to call it, the holy trinity of seafood! It looks like Prabowo is not just fishing for compliments; he’s planning a robust blue economy strategy that he hopes will cast a wide net across the region. And here I was thinking “blue economy” just meant slapping a coat of paint on an old boat!
But don’t let the talk of fish and boats fool you! Prabowo has big fish to fry, including his ambitious plans for those towering sea walls in North Java. Because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that when it comes to floods, building a wall is the classic “when life gives you lemons” approach. I’m just waiting for a national chant to come out of this: “Make the sea walls great again!” In a refreshing twist, Xi Jinping seemed positively buoyant about these projects. After all, who doesn’t love a little public works chatter?
Now, it wasn’t all about the blue economy and construction sites. The two leaders also got to exchange pleasantries on local currency settlements and the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative—because nothing says friendship like industrial cooperation! It’s like having a neighborhood barbecue but instead of hot dogs, you’re swapping economic strategies. “Hey, Xi! I’ll trade you six tons of rice for a slice of your tech boom!”
Of course, it wasn’t just local platitudes getting tossed around. Discussion of these nations’ political and economic ties came with a side-order of American politics, specifically regarding the recent rise of Donald Trump. Ah, yes! Because what’s a diplomatic discussion without a bit of side-eyeing at Washington’s recent antics? Hartarto suggested that the U.S. would keep its chin up while watching Indonesia and China frolic in what they deem ‘robust investment’. Can we get a collective eye roll? It’s as if they were saying, “No hard feelings, but we’re just a little busy over here building sea walls and making trade deals!”
In these political dances, Prabowo has even claimed Indonesia as a “non-aligned state,” which sounds awfully high-minded. Newsflash: I can also be non-aligned while choosing between pizza or sushi for dinner! But let’s not overlook that he’ll soon be jetting off to Washington, likely armed with some impressive ideas and possibly a hard hat for when he talks about those mighty sea walls.
And just when you thought this meeting couldn’t sprout any more surprises, they signed a financing deal for Indonesia’s ‘Free Nutritious Meals Program.’ I mean, how can you argue against that?! I can already see the headlines: “Prabowo and Xi join forces to put nutritious meals on every table; because why not throw in some international camaraderie with your carrot sticks?”
So there you have it, folks! An engaging episode in the continuing saga of global politics. Prabowo and Xi are shaping the relationship like an architect at a blueprint reveal. Will the blue economy come to fruition? Will the sea walls hold back the tides? Will they manage to navigate the choppy waters of international relations without capsizing? Only time will tell, but I’m here for the ride — popcorn ready!
Beijing (ANTARA) – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a comprehensive dialogue in Beijing on Saturday (November 9), exploring vital issues including the blue economy and the ambitious proposal for constructing monumental sea walls along Indonesia’s northern coastline.
Speaking to ANTARA here Sunday, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, revealed that President Prabowo and President Xi emphasized the importance of maritime issues, energy sustainability, and the fisheries sector during their focused discussions on the blue economy.
“Mr. President Prabowo also underscored his visionary initiative to establish extensive sea walls in northern Java,” Hartarto elaborated, noting that this transformative plan, along with Indonesia’s successful Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, garnered positive responses from President Xi, reflecting a commitment to further cooperation.
Additionally, Hartarto indicated that the bilateral meeting provided a platform for the two leaders to deliberate on the implementation of the local currency settlement (LCS) system, as well as the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative, which aims to bolster collaborative efforts in developing industrial parks conducive to mutual growth.
According to the minister, the two heads of state also ventured into discussions regarding the political and economic relations between their nations amid the backdrop of Donald Trump’s recent election victory in the United States.
“The US recognizes that we are enjoying robust investment and trade relations with China,” he asserted, referring to Indonesia and China’s joint participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which aims to enhance economic collaboration in the region.
Hartarto expressed optimism that Indonesia’s growing economic ties with China would not prompt the US to withdraw its support for Indonesia, especially considering Indonesia’s involvement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, which is championed by US President Joe Biden.
“Mr. President reiterated that Indonesia prides itself on being a non-aligned state, eager to collaborate with any nation. It is noteworthy that he is slated to visit Washington soon after wrapping up his engagements here,” he mentioned, adding that Saturday’s high-level meeting also culminated in the signing of a crucial financing agreement aimed at supporting Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program.
Related news: President Prabowo hails China as superpower, great civilization
Related news: Prabowo gets state welcome in Beijing
### Interview with Airlangga Hartarto: Indonesia’s Vision in Conversation with China
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Hartarto! It sounds like President Prabowo and President Xi had a groundbreaking meeting in Beijing. Can you share how this dialogue will shape Indonesia’s blue economy?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** Absolutely! The discussions centered around vital topics such as maritime affairs, energy, and sustainable fisheries. We’re focusing on developing a blue economy that not only enhances our marine resources but also creates jobs and promotes ecological balance. The sea walls we talked about are not just protective structures; they will also contribute to sustainable coastal development.
**Editor:** Speaking of sea walls, can you elaborate on their significance and their role in Indonesia’s plans?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** The proposed sea walls in North Java are critical in combating rising sea levels and mitigating flood risks. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to safeguard our coastal communities. By partnering with China on such infrastructure, we’re looking to ensure safety while fostering economic development along these regions.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a lot of optimism around these projects. How did President Xi respond to these initiatives?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** President Xi expressed strong support for these transformational projects. He recognized our efforts in infrastructure, especially with the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, as a testament to our commitment to modernization and regional connectivity. This cooperation could indeed set a benchmark for future projects.
**Editor:** In addition to economic collaboration, your discussions touched on local currency settlements and the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative. Can you explain their importance?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** These initiatives promote trade and investment without intermediary currencies, which enhances economic resilience between our two nations. The Twin Parks initiative aims to create industrial zones that can benefit both economies, encouraging technological exchange and creating job opportunities. It’s a mutually beneficial approach to regional development.
**Editor:** Your comments also hinted at the geopolitical context of these discussions. How does the U.S. play into this narrative as Indonesia strengthens ties with China?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** While engaging with China, Indonesia maintains its non-aligned stance in global politics. We believe in fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and shared benefits, regardless of outside influences. The U.S. can observe Indonesia’s growth through fruitful partnerships that focus on development rather than confrontation.
**Editor:** Before we wrap up, I can’t help but wonder about the ‘Free Nutritious Meals Program.’ How did this initiative emerge during the meeting, and why is it significant?
**Airlangga Hartarto:** The financing deal for this program is a fantastic step towards addressing food security and nutrition. It highlights our commitment to social welfare alongside our economic ambitions. This initiative not only reflects our care for our people but also strengthens our ties with China, showcasing how we can collaborate on social issues as well.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Hartarto! It’s clear that Indonesia is making strides in both domestic and international arenas, particularly through constructive dialogues like the one with China. We’ll be watching closely as these initiatives unfold!
**Airlangga Hartarto:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the future and the collaborations that will come to fruition.
