Indonesia Seeks Non-Aligned Role to Balance U.S.-China Rivalry, Says Kadin Chief Anindya Bakrie
Main Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesia is positioning itself as a neutral economic bridge amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, according to Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg TV on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Bakrie emphasized Indonesia’s strategic role as a non-aligned country following his attendance at a state dinner in Doha, Qatar. The event, hosted by Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, was also attended by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"It was a very constructive gathering. More importantly, everyone left with a positive sentiment. There were substantial discussions on trade and investment," Bakrie said on Friday, May 16.
He stressed that stability in the Middle East is crucial for global markets, including Indonesia, which is set to host an ASEAN summit next week.
Doubling U.S.-Indonesia Trade
Bakrie recently visited the United States and found a shared urgency among American and Indonesian business leaders to avoid the inflationary risks of escalating tariffs.
"They (U.S. business players) are eager to strike a deal quickly, because every tariff hike adds to inflation,” he said.
Bilateral trade between the U.S. and Indonesia currently stands at $40 billion, making the U.S. Indonesia’s second-largest trading partner after China. Bakrie believes this figure could double to $80 billion within the next two to three years.
"There’s room to import soybeans, wheat, cotton, meat, and dairy from the U.S., while exporting electronics, furniture, footwear, and garments from Indonesia. There’s also potential collaboration in critical minerals," he said.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s newly launched sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, which manages assets totaling $900 billion. The fund, he said, could be leveraged for joint investments with the United States.
Indonesia as a Global Economic Bridge
Against the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics, Bakrie asserted that Indonesia is seeking to act as a connector between major powers, mirroring Qatar’s bridging role in the Middle East.
“As the largest economy in ASEAN and the only G20 member from the region, Indonesia aspires to fulfill a similar role. The ultimate goal is shared prosperity — for Indonesia and for the world,” he said.
The remarks come ahead of two high-profile diplomatic visits. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to visit Jakarta later this month, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit from May 27 to 29.
Amid growing geopolitical competition, Bakrie emphasized the importance of balanced diplomacy.
"It’s not easy. But if we can manage our relationships with both the U.S. and China wisely, it will result in mutual gains,” he noted.
Warning on Global Inflation Risks
While Indonesia currently enjoys relatively low inflation, Bakrie cautioned that global inflationary pressures stemming from trade conflicts remain a serious concern.
“If our trading partners face inflation, it’s not good for anyone,” he said.
On his personal Instagram account (@anindyabakrie), Bakrie reiterated Indonesia’s geopolitical and economic posture: non-alignment and open cooperation with all blocs.
"Indonesia is non-aligned and open for business with all," he wrote.
Quoting the country’s founding fathers, Bakrie likened Indonesia’s position to "rowing between two reefs" — the West and the East — maintaining strategic balance to foster peace and economic stability.
“Indonesia will continue in this role — as a stabilizer between the West and East, not only in trade but also in security and peace,” he concluded.