Chen Siqi vankochensq@163.com A LEADING Indonesian strategist pointed to China’s development and the tech hub of Shenzhen as critical references for understanding the country’s global role while outlining infrastructure, education, and innovation as the future of bilateral ties during the 2025 Understanding China Conference, which concluded in Guangzhou on Tuesday. In the context of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, Jusuf Wanandi, co-founder of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (Indonesia), shared insights on the deepening bilateral partnership. With more than five decades of experience observing East Asian dynamics, Wanandi emphasized that understanding China requires a deep appreciation of its history and culture. Wanandi spoke positively of the Belt and Road Initiative’s role in enhancing regional connectivity. He highlighted the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, which marks Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway and was constructed under the Belt and Road Initiative. He revealed that Indonesia has proposed extending this cooperation to a Jakarta-Surabaya line. He also cited nickel industry collaboration as a successful example of synergies benefiting both nations, particularly in the electric vehicle supply chain. “China is playing a very important role,” Wanandi said. “We would like to be partners of China in keeping this part of the world both developed and peaceful.” During the interview, Wanandi showed his Huawei smartwatch to Shenzhen Daily and complimented its utility. “My watch is from Shenzhen. It works so hard to check my heart. This is very helpful,” he said, illustrating his personal trust in the city’s technological advancement. Wanandi visited Shenzhen 15 years ago, but the city he recalled has since transformed into a leading global hub for high-tech innovation. Looking ahead, Wanandi identified education as a critical area for bilateral growth, pointing to companies like Huawei as prime examples for Indonesia to learn from. He suggested that Indonesia should significantly increase the number of students studying in China, aiming for up to 3 million in the long term. He praised the appointment of Stella Christie — an Indonesian professor at Tsinghua University who now serves as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in Indonesia — calling it a positive step toward leveraging Chinese expertise. Wanandi concluded by reaffirming the strategic importance of the China-Indonesia relationship for regional stability and prosperity. “We have found each other as partners again and again,” he said. “Through cooperation, we can ensure that East Asia continues to develop peacefully.” | 