China-Indonesia Joint Development of IDR 2.6 Trillion Waste-to-Energy Project
In September 2025, Indonesia's PT Maharaksa Biru Energi Tbk (OASA) and China Tianying (CNTY) established a joint venture to jointly develop the South Tangerang Waste-to-Energy (PLTSa) project. The total investment in the project reaches IDR 2.65 trillion (approximately USD 170 million), with an installed capacity of 19.6 MW. A 27-year Power Purchase Agreement has been signed with PT PLN (Persero). OASA holds a 76% stake through its subsidiary PT Indoplas Energi Hij
China-Chile Joint Venture Invests USD 70 Million in Mining Steel Ball Plant
Indonesia Sets Waste-to-Energy Electricity Price at USD 0.2/kWh
24,000 Tons of Uranium Reserves Discovered in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Indonesia's Weapon Imports Surge 43.9% in 2025
Danantara Group Plans Nickel Smelting Projects in Indonesia
rnrnIndonesian investment group Danantara recently announced two major nickel investment plans, including an HPAL project in partnership with Chinese company GEM, signing a $1.42 billion agreement to build a wet冶炼 plant with an annual capacity of 66,000 tons of mixed hydroxide nickel, in collaboration with Brazil's Vale Indonesia. GEM has invested $30 million to jointly establish a metallurgical laboratory with Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to support the development of the Indonesian Green Industrial Park (IGIP), expected to create 80,000 jobs. rnrnAdditionally, there is a proposed acquisition of the GNI nickel pig iron plant, considering an injection of $20 billion to acquire PT GNI, a subsidiary of Jiangsu Delong Nickel Industry, aiming to alleviate operational difficulties caused by the parent company's financial crisis (current capacity is only 30%-40%, with 12 production lines halted). Experts believe the HPAL project holds greater strategic value, while the GNI acquisition would require assuming its legacy debts and pressure to upgrade the RKEF technology production lines. rnrnGNI currently relies on a $60 million syndicated loan to maintain medium-term liquidity, with outstanding payments to energy and nickel ore suppliers yet to be resolved. Danantara's CEO stated that both investments are in the due diligence stage, with final decisions dependent on compliance assessments. This move will strengthen Indonesia's position in the global nickel supply chain, but requires balancing short-term restructuring risks with long-term returns.
Chinese Enterprise Assists Central Java in Developing Waste-to-Energy Project
Jepara Regency Government in Central Java recently signed a cooperation agreement with China's Zhejiang Jinjiang Environment Group, planning to convert domestic waste into renewable energy starting in 2026. The project aims to address the overloaded landfill issues and promote green economy development. The project uses Chinese technology to convert valueless residual waste into energy, achieving 100% waste utilization; housewives and other groups can earn extra income through waste sorting, while recyclables such as plastic and metal are still handled by residents; it also supports Jepara in building an "environmental protection demonstration zone", completely changing
China-Indonesia Enterprises Cooperate to Develop Indonesian Industrial Gas Market
Indonesian industrial gas leader PT Samator Indo Gas (AGII) recently announced a strategic partnership with Chinese companies to jointly develop the industrial gas and clean energy sectors. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China IG Member Alliance (CIGMA) to establish "China-Indonesia Gas and Clean Energy Joint Working Group", focusing on advancing new technologies such as hydrogen processing. Samator currently operates 58 industrial gas plants and 103 filling stations across 29 provinces in Indonesia. The company
Eight Indonesian Companies Selected for Asia's 100 Companies to Watch
Forbes recently released its 2025 list of Asia's 100 Companies to Watch, with 8 Indonesian startups selected, covering fields such as green building materials, fintech, and environmental services. India led the list with 18 companies, followed by Singapore and Japan with 14 each, China with 9, and Indonesia and South Korea with 8 each. Selected companies include: 1. BRIK (founded 2022): Provides a direct sales platform for green building materials, has secured $22 million in funding, with clients including property groups like Ciputra; 2. ESB (founded 2018): Develops PO
Indonesia's July Trade Surplus Reaches $4.17 Billion
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced on September 1 that the trade surplus in July 2025 reached $4.17 billion, maintaining a surplus for 63 consecutive months (since May 2020). Cumulative exports from January to July amounted to $160.16 billion, an increase of 8.03% year-on-year, with non-oil and gas exports growing 9.55% to $152.2 billion, mainly driven by processed products such as palm oil, jewelry, and semiconductors. In July alone, exports reached $24.75 billion, up 9.86% year-on-year, with vegetable oils (+82.72%), machinery and equipment (+69.02%)
TikTok Shop Indonesia's GMV Reaches $6.2 Billion, Ranking Second Globally
According to Statista data, Indonesia's TikTok Shop contributed $6.2 billion in GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 39%, ranking second globally, behind the United States ($9 billion). Thailand ranked third with $5.7 billion GMV. The head of the Celios Economic Research Center pointed out that 40% of Indonesian consumers shop via livestreaming, with the model growing at 30% annually. TikTok recently temporarily suspended its livestreaming function due to social unrest, which may significantly impact MSMEs that rely on livestream sales.
President Prabowo Returns to Indonesia After 8-Hour Visit to China
President Prabowo paid a brief 8-hour visit to China on September 3, 2025, with the main itinerary including attending the 80th anniversary military parade of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan. He was invited to attend the parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, watching alongside Chinese leaders, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and other leaders. The parade showcased 10,000 PLA troops, over 100 military aircraft, and hundreds of ground equipment pieces. Bilateral talks with Chinese leaders were held at the Great Hall of the People, focusing on discussions about Indonesia's apology for its absence from the SCO summit; cooperation on the "Giant Sea Wall" infrastructure project on the north coast of Java; and the deepening of strategic partnership to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also held a separate meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Putin and Prabowo greeted each other with a hug. The Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat stated that both sides confirmed the strengthening of existing cooperation projects in energy, infrastructure, and other fields. The visit, originally scheduled for August 31 to September 1, was once canceled due to domestic protests in Indonesia. After assessing the stable situation on September 2, Prabowo departed that evening and returned to Jakarta at 20:45 the next day. This visit was Prabowo's first working trip to China since taking office, highlighting Indonesia's strategic positioning in major-power balanced diplomacy.