Abstract:
This research aims to explore and analyze how China's Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) scheme serves as soft power in relation to Indonesia and China's economic
relationship from 2013 to 2018. In this study, the method used is a qualitative
approach with content analysis techniques on sources primary and secondary
sources. The research findings show that the BRI scheme is an important tool for
China's soft power, aimed at expanding Chinese trade routes and standardizing
Chinese products in every country where China invests. China's investment in
Indonesia is aligned with the World Maritime Fulcrum program initiated by
President Joko Widodo, and China sees Indonesia's relatively low level of
infrastructure development as an opportunity to build cooperation and increase
inter-island connectivity in Indonesia. In this context, the seriousness of the
Indonesian government in developing infrastructure and managing investment
funds provided by China is crucial to secure China's investment in Indonesia.
However, the research also highlights challenges and risks in this cooperation,
such as debt obligations and economic threats. Therefore, contingency planning is
necessary to address possible problems that may arise and prioritize Indonesia's
long-term economic and strategic interests. This research contributes to an
understanding of bilateral relations between Indonesia and China and provides
useful information for the Indonesian government to formulate policies and
strategies related to economic cooperation with China.
