The Industrial Partnership Forum for the New Industrial Revolution of BRICS 2026 was inaugurated on Wednesday (May 27) in Xiamen, located in China's Fujian province, with representatives from 27 countries in attendance, including government officials, companies, and international organizations. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between China and Indonesia, where Chinese companies are investing in building factories in Indonesia, while Indonesian companies seek partners in China for their projects.
The partnership between the two countries focuses on areas such as smart manufacturing, green industries, and sustainable development. Tri Subandi, the Director General of Sustainability and Industrial Planning in Indonesia, emphasized during his speech at the forum's opening the importance of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and big data in shaping the future of global industry.
Event Details
During the forum, Subandi pointed out that technological transformation poses an urgent challenge for countries in the Global South, requiring the enhancement of human development, strengthening international cooperation, and updating technology. He also presented a national roadmap titled "Made in Indonesia 4.0," calling for increased collaboration among BRICS countries in developing smart technologies.
Subandi reported that Indonesia's manufacturing sector experienced a growth rate of 5.0% in the first quarter of 2026, contributing over 19% to the national GDP. Data also showed that industrial sector exports accounted for more than 80% of Indonesia's total exports from January to February 2026.
Background & Context
Indonesia is considered one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia and has undergone a significant transformation in recent years towards advanced manufacturing. The Indonesian government aims to enhance its industrial capabilities by attracting foreign investments and collaborating with major countries like China. These partnerships are part of Indonesia's efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and promote innovation across various sectors.
Historically, the relationship between China and Indonesia has been strong, with China being Indonesia's largest trading partner. In recent years, there has been an increase in Chinese investments in Indonesia, contributing to the country's economic growth.
Impact & Consequences
The cooperation between China and Indonesia in smart manufacturing and sustainability is a strategic step that reflects the global trend towards innovation and green technology. Joint projects are expected to create new job opportunities and boost the local economy in Indonesia, contributing to sustainable development.
Moreover, these partnerships demonstrate the BRICS countries' ability to collaborate in addressing global economic challenges and enhancing their position on the international stage. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, BRICS member states can strengthen their competitiveness and achieve sustainable development.
Regional Significance
These developments are particularly significant for the Arab region, as Arab countries can benefit from Indonesia's experiences in enhancing cooperation with China in manufacturing and technology. Economic partnerships with China represent an opportunity for Arab nations to boost their economic growth and develop local industries.
In conclusion, the forum in Xiamen illustrates how developing countries can collaborate in innovation and technology to achieve sustainable development goals, opening new avenues for cooperation between Arab nations and BRICS countries.