Sustainable Development Goals and the Belt and Road Initiative
An overview of a train station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Bandung in May, 2023
Photo: Courtesy of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China
Editor’s Note: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global cooperation platform that demonstrates China’s vision for global development and offers solutions to the reform of the global governance system and multi-faceted challenges. Against this backdrop, the Global Times is publishing a series of interviews with renowned scholars, think tanks, and financial institutions, sharing their insights and understanding of how this initiative has earned global recognition and growing esteem. This is the 11th installment in the series.
Interview with Marzuki Alie: Former Speaker of The House of Representative of Republic of Indonesia
GT: You witnessed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative at the Indonesian House of Representatives in 2013. What were your feelings at that time?
Marzuki: I believe that President Xi’s address to the Indonesian parliament at that time was very significant, not only for Indonesia-China relations but also for international cooperation. At that time, Xi introduced the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, which later constitutes an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
BRI seeks to establish a large-scale and comprehensive program of infrastructure development in the countries along the land and maritime routes. In his speech, Xi highlighted BRI as a path of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusivity, mutual learning and mutual benefit.
China demonstrates a cooperative disposition that will yield mutual benefits. I believe it is essential for the Indonesian government to respond to the China-proposed initiative. The Indonesian government recognizes the significance of regional connectivity and investment in accelerating the country’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
Economically, Indonesia was one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia at the time and had experienced robust economic development over the preceding years. Through business-friendly policies and structural reforms, the Indonesian government has worked to increase investment and economic growth. The BRI is viewed as an opportunity to increase regional connectivity, enhance trade, and improve Indonesia’s infrastructure.
Politically, Indonesia has experienced a series of relatively stable leadership transitions. In 2013, then-president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono assumed office as Indonesia’s leader. Indonesian government was interested in expanding economic partnerships with other countries at that time, including China, in order to expedite infrastructure development and close development disparities between different Indonesian regions. When President Joko Widodo led the government in the next term, he also envisioned Indonesia to become a “World Maritime Axis.”
China-Indonesia Relations
GT: Chinese President Xi’s visit to Indonesia in 2022 has consolidated bilateral relations. How do you view the relations between China and Indonesia?
Marzuki: At the 2022 G20 Bali Summit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between Indonesia and China, which consisted of a Joint Promotion Cooperation Plan within the World Maritime Axis Framework and the Belt and Road Initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Development of Conservation/Research Centers and Innovation of Indonesian-China Medicinal Plants, Memorandum of Understanding on Vocational Training in the Industrial Sector, Memorandum of Understanding on Increasing Digital Economic Cooperation, and Agreement on Further Expansion and Deepening of Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation.
This is significant for the potential development of relations between the two nations. In order to accomplish a mutually beneficial relationship in the future, it is vital for China and Indonesia to maintain constructive dialogue and cooperation and to overcome potential differences and obstacles.
Considering the current situation of the world, there are a number of new opportunities that can be pursued in the future economic relations between China and Indonesia, such as economic and commercial cooperation, investment in infrastructure, innovation and technology, tourism, and maritime cooperation.
China and Indonesia’s inclusive economic cooperation, transfer of technology and knowledge, infrastructure and connectivity, cultural and educational exchanges can serve as a model for mutually beneficial cooperation and joint development among other developing countries.
Indonesia’s Progress under the Belt and Road Initiative
GT: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI. From your observations and understanding, what have been the biggest changes in Indonesia in the past decade under the initiative?
Marzuki: In 2023, it will have been precisely 10 years since I presided over the Indonesian parliament during Xi’s visit. That year was definitely an important year, and over the past 10 years, the cooperation between China and Indonesia has increased in a variety of disciplines.
Significant developments have undergone in infrastructure, investment, trade, tourism, and maritime partnership, though there are certain challenges. It is essential for projects to strike a balance between economic benefits and sustainability.
Indonesia has received investment from China to build and improve infrastructure in this country. Additionally, funding is also allocated for the construction of ports, toll roads, airports, and energy initiatives. The two nations have signed agreements and begun large-scale projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway (HSR).
Numerous Chinese companies have invested in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and tourism in Indonesia via BRI. This investment has contributed to the positive impact on Indonesia’s economic growth and employment creation.
BRI has increased trade connectivity between the two nations, promoted the exchange of products and services, and improved market access. China is now Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral commerce increasing in value year after year.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all | – Investment in infrastructure development in Indonesia by China – Construction of ports, toll roads, airports, and energy initiatives in Indonesia – Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway (HSR) project |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries | – Positive impact on Indonesia’s economic growth and employment creation through Chinese investment in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and tourism |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms | – Transfer of technology and knowledge between China and Indonesia through inclusive economic cooperation |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons | – Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway (HSR) project as a sustainable transport system |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average | – Economic partnerships to close development disparities between different Indonesian regions |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | – Constructive dialogue and cooperation between China and Indonesia to overcome potential differences and obstacles |
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Source: globaltimes.cn
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