Former Minister Defends Indonesia's Partnership with China

A former senior Indonesian minister has rejected claims that the country favors Chinese companies or compromises its sovereignty to attract investment. Luhut Pandjaitan made the statement amid public debate over a Chinese-funded airport within a major industrial zone. Critics warn the project could create a "state within a state." Pandjaitan served as a key minister under former President Joko Widodo. He argued that China's advanced technology and large financial resources make it an ideal partner. The goal, he stated, is to boost Indonesia's economy through projects like mineral processing. "We side with Indonesia," Pandjaitan said, dismissing allegations of bias. He helped design Widodo's policy to ban raw mineral exports and develop domestic processing facilities.