【By Observer News, Xiong Chaoran】According to a report by Singapore's "The Straits Times" on September 3, Indonesia and Malaysia have separately discussed with China regarding large-scale infrastructure projects. Among them, China and Indonesia discussed the construction of an $80 billion (approximately 580 billion yuan) massive seawall on Java Island, while China and Malaysia are preparing to discuss extending the East Coast Railway (ECR) to the Malaysia-Thailand border.
The Indonesian media "Jakarta Globe" quoted the Indonesian presidential office on the same day, stating that President Prabowo had discussed with the Chinese side the plan to build defensive structures along the northern coast of Java Island, which Jakarta refers to as the "massive seawall" project. It is reported that this construction is aimed at adapting to climate change and is expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete. The report stated that this discussion reflects Prabowo's eagerness to promote the "massive seawall" project. Just a week ago, he had just established a new agency specifically responsible for overseeing this large-scale project.
The Malaysian media "Malay Mail" reported that Malaysia is preparing to discuss with China extending the terminus of the ECR from Dungun, Kelantan, to Rantau Panjang, closer to the Malaysia-Thailand border, in order to promote local economic development.
Prime Minister Anwar of Malaysia, after concluding his four-day working visit to China on September 3, told local media in Beijing before returning home that this proposal is still in the preliminary discussion stage, and the relevant teams need to follow up on details such as cost and payment methods. He said that the ECR currently connects to Kuantan, the capital of Kelantan, and that Kuantan is about 25 kilometers away from Rantau Panjang, which is near the Malaysia-Thailand border. "We hope to achieve connectivity from Kuantan to Rantau Panjang, where Rantau Panjang is less developed economically."
Notably, after the meeting between the leaders of China and Malaysia on September 2, the Chinese side emphasized in the press release that both sides should work together to build a high-quality development cooperation hub in the region, strive to create highlights in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, new energy, and semiconductors, and build key projects like the "Two Countries, Two Parks" and the East Coast Railway at a high level.
Model of the East Coast Railway Project in Malaysia, "Malay Mail"
"Indonesia Business Post" introduced that the "massive seawall" project is a continuation of the National Capital Coastal Integrated Development (NCICD) plan initiated in Jakarta in 2014. The government believes that this expansion is crucial for protecting 70 industrial zones, 5 special economic zones, and major transportation infrastructure along the northern coast.
Reuters also introduced that the project aims to prevent flooding along the northern coast of Java Island, protecting the area from rising sea levels and land subsidence, which have caused frequent natural disasters there. According to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency, the average annual rise in coastal sea levels in Indonesia was 4.25 millimeters from 1992 to 2024, and the rate of sea level rise has accelerated in recent years due to climate change. This project is massive, and there are some voices within Indonesia who remain skeptical about whether the project can achieve its intended effects.
The "Jakarta Globe" mentioned in its report that the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, which connects the Indonesian capital Jakarta and the tourist city Bandung, is a landmark project of China's "Belt and Road" initiative and practical cooperation between China and Indonesia. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is 142.3 kilometers long, with a maximum operating speed of 350 km/h, and it is the first overseas project of China's high-speed rail to be built using the entire system, all elements, and the entire industry chain, with the entire line adopting Chinese technology and standards.
Additionally, since Anwar became Prime Minister of Malaysia in November 2022, he has clearly stated that enhancing bilateral relations with China is a priority for Malaysia, and will not let the relationship remain stagnant.
On March 26, 2023, shortly before Anwar's first visit to China after assuming the role of Prime Minister, Malaysian Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook participated in a live program on Malaysian Radio Television (RTM) and stated that he would accompany Anwar on the visit to China and discuss strengthening existing cooperation and developing new projects with the Chinese side.
Loke Siew Fook said during the program that there are many railway cooperation projects between Malaysia and China, and China's strength in railway construction is very strong. This visit may explore the possibility of cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese companies to develop the New Line High-Speed Rail (HSR) project. Notably, the project signed an agreement in 2016 but was terminated in 2021, so the restart of the New Line High-Speed Rail project has been closely watched.
Lately, China has held several major diplomatic events, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit and the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, with many foreign guests attending. In response, major foreign media have paid attention to the list of guests, and have reported and analyzed it using words such as "first time," "rare," "milestone," and "grand event."
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) noted that the list of foreign guests attending the September 3 military parade also reflects China's rise and changes in its relationship with the world. The report stated that the attendance of Indonesian President Prabowo and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar further proves that China is striving to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Photo: Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Project, IC photo
According to a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on September 3, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered questions about Indonesian President Prabowo's visit to China to attend the "September 3" commemorative activities. The spokesperson stated that Indonesian President Prabowo decided to accept the invitation to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and arrived in Beijing at 3 a.m. on September 3. The Chinese side welcomed this.
The Chinese side pointed out that President Prabowo overcame difficulties to come to China to attend the commemorative activities, reflecting his emphasis on Sino-Indonesian relations and the sincere friendship of the Indonesian people towards the Chinese people. The Chinese side supports President Prabowo's governance, supports Indonesia's rapid restoration of order and stability, and supports Indonesia's development and growth. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, as well as the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Regardless of how international circumstances change, China and Indonesia have always inherited the spirit of independent and self-reliant nations, adhered to the principle of win-win cooperation, and demonstrated the responsibility of a major power pursuing peaceful development. The Chinese side is willing to work with Indonesia to uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, and advance the building of a community with a shared future between China and Indonesia at a high level, making due contributions to the cause of human progress.
The Chinese side also pointed out that China and Malaysia are good friends with common aspirations. Both sides have supported each other in the changing international situation and have walked hand in hand on the road to modernization, smoothly opening a new "Golden 50 Years" of Sino-Malaysian relations. The Chinese side is willing to work with Malaysia to promote the building of a community with a shared future between China and Malaysia, better benefiting the people of both countries, and making contributions to promoting regional and world peace and development.
During his visit to China, Prabowo expressed that he was pleased to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression with the Chinese people. Indonesia and China are good friends and true friends. Relations with China are the top priority of Indonesia's foreign policy. He thanked China for the valuable support provided to Indonesia's socio-economic development over a long period. The bilateral relationship is at its best historical stage. Indonesia expects to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, finance, and infrastructure, to achieve more results in bilateral relations, better benefit the people of both countries, and make positive contributions to promoting regional peace and stability.
During his visit to China, Anwar expressed that he was honored to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Malaysia values its special strategic partnership with China and hopes to continuously deepen cooperation in all fields, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries.
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