2025 China-Indonesia Provincial Index: Understanding China’s Footholds Across Indonesian Provinces
“China’s footholds in Indonesia have become more visible and geographically diverse. Nickel-rich provinces such as Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and North Maluku have become indispensable hubs for Chinese-led investment in mineral processing, while energy projects in Bengkulu and South Sumatra, as well as industrial developments in East Kalimantan, reflect China’s widening reach. Simultaneously, cultural and educational linkages in provinces like Bali, East Java, and West Java demonstrate Beijing’s e orts to embed itself beyond extractive industries. This provincial strategy enables China to diversify its influence, foster local-level partnerships, and deepen its presence in areas that directly shape Indonesia’s development trajectory.”
“The province with the highest economic foothold is North Sumatra, with a score of 83.33 percent, marking it as the most prominent site of Chinese trade, investment, and infrastructure involvement. A group of provinces follows at 66.67 percent, including North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, North Maluku, North Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Central Java, and Bangka Belitung, where Chinese economic presence is also deeply embedded. Several provinces record footholds of 50 percent, showing a balanced but significant level of engagement. These include South Sumatra, Southeast Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Southwest Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Lampung, Riau Islands, East Java, Jambi, and Bali.”