Indonesian President publicly pledges to Chinese investors: "We will protect them as we would our own family!" Recently, Indonesian President Prabowo attended the ceremony marking the launch of the Witadabe Industrial Park project, where he stated on the spot that his government would safeguard Chinese investors "as if they were family," expressing gratitude for the cooperation and trust shown by Chinese investors. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning publicly welcomed this statement.
The context behind this declaration is substantial—not merely diplomatic formalities but grounded in tangible industrial collaboration. On October 8, President Prabowo presided over the inauguration of 11 downstream mining projects backed by Chinese firms, with a combined investment value of approximately $10.2 billion. Speaking at the event, Prabowo emphasized that the Indonesian government regards investors who come to Indonesia, collaborate with the country, and contribute to its development as brothers and sisters, promising to "protect them as one would protect family members."
The industrial park, led by Qingshan Holding Group in investment and construction, has already seen cumulative investments surpassing $20 billion, with plans for an additional $7 billion in future funding. The newly launched 11 projects span the entire value chain—from nickel and cobalt materials to battery production and new energy commercial vehicles. This represents more than mere raw material extraction and export; it signifies a strategic effort to establish a complete domestic industrial ecosystem, from mining to battery-grade material manufacturing, driving genuine industrial upgrading in Indonesia. Roesyanto, Minister of Investment and Downstream Processing, explicitly stated that these new projects will help build a fully integrated electric vehicle battery supply chain ecosystem in Indonesia.
President Prabowo’s personal attendance at the remote island site underscores the seriousness of this political commitment. In an era marked by increasing global investment uncertainty, the pledge to "protect investors like family" serves as a direct signal of stability and confidence to Chinese enterprises. Currently, China contributes technology, capital, and capabilities in industrial integration, while Indonesia offers natural resources, domestic market access, and a skilled labor force—this model enables mutual advantage and reflects a durable, mutually beneficial partnership.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878935958973447/
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