Prabowo Invites China to Invest in Free School Meals and Giant Sea Wall Projects
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has invited China to invest in a number of key national initiatives, including Indonesia’s free nutritious meals program and the construction of a giant sea wall along the northern coast of Java.
The invitation was extended during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who accompanied the president, said the meeting aimed to deepen China’s investment presence in Indonesia.
Among the top priorities discussed were the Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG), national energy self-sufficiency, and a strategic infrastructure project known as the "Giant Sea Wall."
“President Prabowo emphasized several flagship programs, including free nutritious meals, energy independence, and strategic initiatives like the giant sea wall, which is currently in preparation,” Airlangga said.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The meeting was attended by a high-level Indonesian delegation, including Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Head of the National Economic Council Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and Minister of Investment and Head of BKPM Rosan Perkasa Roeslani. They were joined by key ministers in agriculture, fisheries, education, and foreign affairs.
Following the talks, Prabowo and Li Qiang witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and eight cooperation documents between Indonesia and China.
The agreements include:
• a framework between Bank Indonesia and the People’s Bank of China to facilitate local currency settlement for bilateral transactions,
• a cooperation MoU between Indonesia’s National Economic Council and China’s National Development and Reform Commission on economic policy coordination,
• a pact between the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and China’s Ministry of Commerce to enhance industrial and supply chain partnerships,
• and a renewal of the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative.
Twin Parks and Job Creation
Airlangga highlighted the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative as a key investment platform expected to stimulate job creation and deepen industrial ties.
Indonesia and China have agreed to develop the parks in three locations: Batang Industrial Estate in Central Java, Bintan Industrial Estate in the Riau Islands, and Fujian Province in China
The Batang site, designated as a Special Economic Zone, spans 500 hectares and is expected to attract $3 billion in investment. Officials estimate the project will generate 100,000 jobs, positioning Batang as Indonesia’s version of Shenzhen.
“We hope this will become a magnet for foreign investors and solidify supply chain cooperation between the two countries,” said Airlangga.
$10 Billion in Ongoing and New Projects
Minister of Investment Rosan Roeslani emphasized that Premier Li’s visit was not merely ceremonial but brought tangible results, including the implementation of previously agreed investments totaling $10 billion. These funds are being channeled into transportation, industrial clusters, mineral downstreaming, and chemical industries.
“This collaboration involves state-owned enterprises, private sector players, and international partners. We’ll monitor implementation closely to ensure targets are met,” Rosan said.
The fresh investment drive also reflects China’s commitment to expanding its economic footprint in Indonesia and supporting industrial resilience and resource-based downstreaming.