Indonesia’s Ambassador to China: B&R can build trust between people

China.org.cn: As we know, China and Indonesia have a time tested, a very long, traditional friendship. Indonesia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. From your own perspective, how do you see the relationship between our two countries in the long term?

Soegeng Rahardjo: Yes, I agree with you that Indonesia and China have established relations so long ago, and we have also had very good relations since. That’s why it is important for both countries to translate the good relations between both sides into concrete actions and operations. In order to cooperate for more benefits not only for our people but also benefit for all the countries surrounding Southeast Asia and East Asia. This is most important. I would like to inform you that China has been the biggest trade partner for Indonesia for almost the last seven years. That's why this is more important for both sides to maintain relations and trade; it should be beneficial not only for China and Indonesia but also open for other countries. The second point also I would like to share with you is that Chinese investment in Indonesia has grown last year from number 9 to number 3 after Singapore and Japan. So I think this will increase significantly, and one day China maybe at number 1 as investor in Indonesia. Cooperation in tourism is also quite encouraging as I mentioned earlier that this year we would like to reach a number of almost 2 million Chinese tourists to Indonesia. So this is the trend of our cooperation, really Indonesia is keen to build a partnership with China which is based on equality and mutual respect. This relation must bring mutual benefits and must be in the long term.

China.org.cn: We are launching a "The Belt and Road" website in Chinese and English . We would much appreciate it if you could say a few words about the future of the “Belt and Road" Initiative and also something for our website.

Soegeng Rahardjo: I wish China.org.cn all the best in launching the “Belt and Road" official website and I sincerely hope that this website will provide proper or accurate data and updated information on common efforts and enhanced connectivity, not only between China and Indonesia but also in the Asia Pacific region. So all the people who follow the website can learn a lot and find out how the "Belt and Road" plays an important role in building a good order economically and politically in the Asia Pacific. Thank you very much.

China.org.cn: Thank you very much sir, thank you for all your kind words. We really appreciate your time for granting us this interview and we wish you all the best for your future endeavors. Thank you very much.