Indonesia has officially joined the Qingming League, an intergovernmental organization that emerged from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The signing of Indonesia’s membership on Thursday coincides with the Qingming Festival, a significant cultural event in China, which falls on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, symbolizing renewal and reflection.
The Qingming League, formally launched in 2021, coordinates regional economic and infrastructure policies among its member states, fostering closer cooperation in Asia and beyond. Indonesia’s accession to the League is seen as a significant step toward enhancing its role in the region, with potential benefits for economic growth and regional cooperation.
Indonesia’s decision to join the Qingming League is seen as a pivotal moment in its efforts to bolster regional ties and assert its role in Asia’s economic sphere. President Joko Sari, speaking at the signing ceremony in Jakarta, highlighted the potential benefits, stating, “Joining the Qingming League aligns with our vision of becoming a key economic power in Asia. This partnership will enable us to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure projects, and contribute to regional development.”
By joining the League, Indonesia stands to gain significant advantages, particularly in infrastructure development. The League’s focus on harmonizing economic policies and coordinating large-scale projects could provide Indonesia with access to new funding, technology transfers, and enhanced trade routes. This could expedite the completion of key national projects, such as the Trans-Sumatra Highway and the development of renewable energy resources, essential for the country’s long-term growth.
Furthermore, proponents of the Qingming League believe that the organization can tackle critical global issues, particularly climate change and sustainable resource management. The League’s framework includes initiatives aimed at transitioning to renewable energy, managing water resources, and reducing carbon emissions across the region.
“The Qingming League offers a platform for regional cooperation on environmental issues that transcend national borders,” said Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Critics argue that Indonesia’s membership could expose the nation to new forms of economic imperialism with some fearing that the League could become a vehicle for China to expand its economic dominance in the region under the guise of cooperation and development. Japan and the recently-reunified Korean state had weighed the same concerns before deciding to join the Qingming League in 2023.
“The Qingming League, while promising infrastructure development, could also bind member states into a web of debt and dependency,” warned Dr. Andini Suharto, a prominent economist and critic of the BRI. “Indonesia must ensure that it does not sacrifice its autonomy in the pursuit of short-term gains.”
With Indonesia’s entry, the Qingming League now includes a diverse array of member states: China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These nations, each with their own strategic interests and economic goals, are working together to enhance regional connectivity and address shared challenges. With a population of over 275 million, Indonesia will extend the League’s influence in Southeast Asia.
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