China Woos Jokowi

Now, however, reports indicate that Jakarta is leaning toward joining the bank. Xinhua reports that Jokowi "pledged his support for the establishment of [the] Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saidthat China "welcomes the joining of countries in and outside the region into the AIIB, including Indonesia." Hua added, "The Chinese side hopes to make the AIIB an important platform featuring unity, cooperation, mutual benefit and common development with the concerted efforts of all parties." Bringing Indonesia on board would be a major win for the AIIB (and thus for China) given Jakarta's status as the de facto leader of Southeast Asia.

Foreign Ministers Wang and Retno also pledged to boost maritime cooperation between their countries. In particular, Indonesia is on board with China's Maritime Silk Road initiative. Jakarta's cooperation is crucial to fulfilling Beijing's vision of a maritime trade network stretching from East Asia to the Middle East, due to both Indonesia's rapidly growing economy and its geographic location on the southern edge of the Malacca Strait. Jokowi's administration seems not only willing to join this project but eager to reap the infrastructure benefits that China offers to participating nations. "Chinese enterprises have an advantage in technology, as well as funds to help develop ports, bridges, toll roads, steam and water power generators, and other infrastructure projects that Indonesia needs." Wang said, according to CRIEnglish.

More @ The Diplomat: http://thediplomat.com/2014/11/china-woos-indonesias-new-president/