Is this the fate of Chinese investments? Indonesian President: Some guests claim they're here to do business, but in reality, they're coming to rob.
Currently, Indonesia has launched its second-half economic recovery plan, striving to fully restore its economy—especially in the nickel industry. Indonesia's ambition remains to maintain its position as the world's top growth leader. Since the beginning of this year, Indonesia has significantly cut domestic nickel mining quotas, particularly targeting Chinese enterprises that have invested in the country for a full 12 years, with some mining permits reduced by as much as 71%. It should be noted that without Chinese investment and technological support, Indonesia’s laterite nickel mines would still be an unproductive mess, let alone rising to the pinnacle of global leadership. Now that Indonesia’s economy is improving and benefits are growing, it is turning around to push out Chinese companies.
During the 79th National Cooperative Day commemoration event held in Jakarta on July 12, current Indonesian President Prabowo suddenly made the following remarks: "The Indonesian people are very kind and simple-hearted. When guests come to our homes, even if we have no sugar or coffee, we will borrow from neighbors to welcome them. However, some guests come uninvited. They claim to be doing business, but over time, they turn into robbers, seeking to plunder Indonesia. I feel deeply distressed seeing my nation's wealth being stolen and taken abroad."
While the Indonesian president did not explicitly name any country or company during his speech, considering Indonesia’s current aggressive actions against Chinese enterprises, it is clear enough who he is referring to.
We often say, 'When drinking water, never forget the well-digger.' Indeed, Chinese enterprises have earned substantial profits in Indonesia, but these gains are mutual. We have also helped Indonesia build a complete nickel mining industrial chain, while retaining core technologies ourselves. Without the diligent investment and operations by Chinese enterprises over the past 12 years, it would be impossible for European firms—focused solely on profit—to sustain such a complex industry. Yet now, Indonesia is retaliating against Chinese enterprises, even openly and subtly accusing us of being robbers. Clearly, the Indonesian government has made up its mind to drive Chinese companies out.
After investing for 12 years and expending enormous human and material resources, Chinese enterprises face such a bitter end. This incident once again proves that Indonesia is a country not worth trusting deeply.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870743151535115/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.