Bali Halts Cliff Glass Elevator Project Invested by Chinese Company
Due to environmental controversy, Bali authorities have suspended the 182-meter-high cliff glass elevator project built by Chinese developer China Kais Group at Kelingking Beach. The elevator was originally planned to facilitate tourists' access to the beach, but photos of the elevator shaft cutting into the iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff (nicknamed "T-Rex Cliff") went viral on social media, angering locals and tourists who believe it damages natural beauty and accelerates erosion. Authorities also found that the project did not obtain necessary permits. Local residents and netizens expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that tourists come to Bali to enjoy the natural environment, not an elevator. Bali lawmakers have consistently opposed the project, citing excessive risks. The duration of the suspension is unclear. Some have called on authorities to repair the stairs connecting the cliff and the beach instead of pushing forward with such "vanity projects."
Japanese Auto Dealers Switch to Distributing Chinese Brands
Indonesia's Steel Industry Calls on Government to Restrict Low-Priced Steel Imports from China and Vietnam
Indonesia-China Business Forum Deepens Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation
Indonesia Issues First Renminbi-Denominated Dim Sum Bonds
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Repayment Period May Be Extended to 60 Years
The head of Indonesia's State-Owned Enterprises Supervisory Agency and Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Management Agency revealed that the debt restructuring negotiations for the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway not only involve China's proposed 60-year repayment period but also cover core issues such as interest payments and repayment currency. Former Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Luhut had stated that the repayment period might be extended to 60 years, but he clarified that the relevant agreement has not been finalized, and the Indonesian negotiation team will visit China again soon for consultations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded that since its opening in 2023, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has operated safely and stably, transporting over 11.71 million passengers, creating a large number of local jobs and promoting economic development along the route.
Indonesian Government Targets Textile and Steel Smuggling and Under-Invoicing
The Minister of Finance recently revealed that the government is about to launch a large-scale crackdown on smuggling rings, targeting criminal networks long involved in illegal smuggling of textiles, steel, and other goods. Speaking at the Presidential Palace, he stated that these rings use "under-invoicing" to artificially lower the true value of goods to evade customs duties. A list of involved individuals has been obtained and will be dealt with according to law at the appropriate time. In addition to smuggling issues, he emphasized a thorough investigation into internal irregularities within the Ministry of Finance, particularly regarding tax and customs officials who may be complicit in the illegal cigarette trade. He
Indonesia to Launch Waste-to-Energy Project Tender, Operations Begin in 2028
Investment management institution Danantara plans to launch an open tender for Waste-to-Energy (WtE) projects in November 2025, aiming to convert municipal waste into electricity through incineration technology. The first phase covers 10 cities, with subsequent expansion to 23 cities, and is expected to commence commercial operations in 2028. The government plans to adopt direct incineration technology (temperature 850-1000°C), capable of processing all types of waste with a volume reduction of 90%. Future plans include phasing out the original gasification technology (gasifier) due to its high moisture requirements and low power generation efficiency of only 4%-44%.
Indonesia's Exports to China Continue to Grow Amid Trade War
The Minister of Trade recently stated that despite the ongoing US-China trade war, Indonesia's exports to both countries maintained growth from January to August 2025. Data shows that Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to China reached USD 40.44 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.68%; exports to the US reached USD 20.6 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 12.2 billion (Indonesia's largest surplus source country). Major surplus countries are the US, India (USD 9.43 billion), Philippines (USD 5.85 billion); major deficit countries are China (USD 13.09 billion), Singapore (USD 3.55 billion). The Minister emphasized enhancing product
Indonesia Learns from Three Gorges Resettlement Experience to Develop Relocation Plan
Indonesia's Minister of Transmigration recently stated that the resettlement experience of the Three Gorges Project in Yichang City, Hubei Province, China (successfully relocating 1.3 million people) has provided valuable reference for Indonesia. Through 32 years of development, Yichang has transformed into an advanced resettlement area with thriving agriculture, household industries, and tourism. The welfare of migrants has increased by 8 times compared to before relocation. The Chinese government provides continuous vocational training to help migrants adapt to new industries (such as citrus planting and tea processing). Household handicraft products have achieved export scale, while ensuring that migrants are not far from their original places of residence, maintaining social networks. Indonesia plans to focus on developing resettlement villages in Papua and
US Tariffs on China Bring New Export Opportunities for Indonesia
Indonesia's newly appointed Finance Minister believes that US President Trump's threat to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods has created new export opportunities for Indonesia. If Trump implements this tariff policy, it would significantly reduce the competitiveness of Chinese goods in the US market. As a major Southeast Asian economy, Indonesia has the opportunity to fill part of the market share. Indonesia possesses rich resources and diverse products, such as agricultural products, mineral products, and manufactured goods, all of which are expected to gain more opportunities in exports to the US. Indonesia should actively seize this opportunity, and the government and relevant departments need to formulate effective strategies,
Indonesia Plans to Build Solar Power Stations in 80,000 Villages
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs recently announced that President Prabowo has ordered the construction of solar power plants in 80,000 villages, with a total planned installed capacity of 80 GW. The project will be implemented through village Merah Putih cooperatives, aiming to accelerate Indonesia's energy self-sufficiency. Initially, a pilot project of 1 MW on 1 hectare of land will be launched, and after full rollout, the annual power generation is expected to be equivalent to four years of total energy subsidies. The Energy Minister revealed that the final target is 100 GW, with a total project investment estimated at $100 billion. Energy subsidies could be gradually phased out by the 5th to 6th year after completion. The plan will also be coordinated through the TPAKD mechanism.