IR Binus Head of Department: Indonesian Government Should be Smart and Persistent in the Negotiations with Chinese Investment

President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source: The President Post

President Joko Widodo offered cooperation for three mega projects to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a meeting of modern silk roads or belt and road initiated by China in Beijing on Sunday, 14 May 2017.

“The struggle for influence is taking place, but not in a frontal sense. The China’s strength is increasing dramatically. China offers an alternative to linking the country under the pretext that it is a partnership that benefits all parties,” said Tirta Mursitama, chairman of the department International relations of Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, to BBC Indonesia.

Before China confirmed to invest in Indonesia, Tirta warned that the Indonesian government should be smart and persistent in the negotiations given China would take a big profit in both business and political contexts. “We may get something, but not at a cheap price. They must ask for trade off. The problem is, how much can we offer?” said Tirta.

Prof. Tirta’s interview by The President Post can be seen on the following link:

President Jokowi Offers Investment Opportunities in Mega Projects to China