Surabaya (ANTARA) – The East Java provincial government explored opportunities for joint initiatives in the industry sector and shipbuilding technology with China during a meeting in Surabaya.
East Java Governor Khofifah Parawansa led the engagement, welcoming delegates from the Chinese Consulate General and the People’s Liberation Army Navy, according to a statement cited Thursday.
“It is a very interesting meeting as we discuss a range of things. I myself just learned much about how China is developing its shipbuilding industry technology,” she remarked while hosting the Chinese representatives.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a goodwill visit by China’s training ship Qi Jiguang 83 and amphibious landing ship Kun Lun Shan 998, which docked at Tanjung Perak Port from August 2 to 6 for an exercise.
Khofifah expressed confidence that the talks could pave the way for Indonesia and China to expand industrial and shipbuilding cooperation.
The governor underscored the discussions as particularly important for Indonesia, given the country’s vast maritime territory.
“This is an important platform for us to engage in technology transfers with the aim of beefing up the capacity of the Indonesian Navy while strengthening industries in the maritime sector,” she affirmed.
She also highlighted Surabaya’s role as Indonesia’s maritime hub, noting that the city is home to the Naval Academy, the headquarters of the navy’s Marine Corps, Fleet Command II, Naval Regional Command V, and state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia.
Apart from industrial and shipbuilding cooperation, the meeting also touched on the legacy of Cheng Ho, the Ming dynasty admiral and diplomat renowned for his voyages across Asia, including Indonesia, where he is widely recognized as a Chinese Muslim admiral.
Meanwhile, Chinese Consul General in Surabaya Ye Su said the visit marked the Chinese navy’s second since 2023, reflecting the lasting friendship between the two countries.
He also commended Khofifah for advancing East Java’s economy, investment, and sociocultural development.
“There are more Chinese companies investing in East Java,” he said.
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Translator: W. Irawan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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