Cooperation and Exchanges with Indonesia

(1) China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate Founded 

To implement The Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between the State Oceanic Administration of China and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, and promote bilateral maritime cooperation, the China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate, China's first overseas research institute was founded in Djakarta, the capital of Indonesia on May 14, 2010. Qiao Fangli, Vice President of the First Institute of Oceanography, SOA was appointed as the Director of the Center. Officials from Chinese State Oceanic Administration, Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Chinese Embassy to Indonesia and Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries took part in the opening ceremony.

(2) The First China-Indonesia Joint Committee Meeting on Maritime Cooperation Convened

On September 16, 2010, the First China-Indonesia Joint Committee Meeting on Maritime Cooperation was held in Beijing. The Chinese delegation led by Deputy Administrator Chen Lianzeng of the State Oceanic Administration and the Indonesian delegation led by the secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries attended the committee meeting. Participants reflected on results achieved and reached consensus on strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The opening ceremony of the first training course of maritime science and technology for Chinese and Indonesian young scholars was held on the sidelines of the Committee Meeting. Six Indonesian scholars participated in and completed the course from September to November. 

(3) The Fourth Joint Seminar on Cooperation in Maritime Science and Technology and Environmental Protection Held 

The Fourth Joint Seminar on Cooperation in Maritime Science and Technology and Environmental Protection was held in Djakarta from November 29 to December 1, 2010, with the participation of a Chinese delegation led by Qiao Fangli, Vice President of the First Institute of Oceanography and Director of China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate, and an Indonesian delegation led by Gellwynn Yusuf , secretary general of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The seminar had the following six sessions: observation and survey on maritime and climate change; development and utilization of biodiversity and biological resources; maritime and coastal comprehensive management and environmental protection; capability building and joint training; China-Indonesia maritime cooperation scheme from 2011 to 2015; development planning for China-Indonesian Center. The seminar, with 34 reports and 68 experts from the State Oceanic Administration of China, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia and research institutes, decided to continue implementation of three research projects and launch seven new ones. 

(4) Project "Observation on Water Exchange between the South China Sea and Indonesia" Goes Well

The China-Indonesia-U.S. trilateral project "Observation on Water Exchange between the South China Sea and Indonesia" goes smoothly. With TRBM deployed by survey vessels in Karimata Strait and Sunda Strait, researchers made continuous observation of maritime circulations for the study of water exchange between the South China Sea and Indonesia. By the end of 2010 the project had witnessed nine voyages, among which two were made jointly in the year 2010 for TRBM deployment, maintenance and reclamation near observation points in the two straits. 

(5) Administrator Liu Cigui Visited the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia and China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate

At the invitation of Minister Fadel Muhammad of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, Administrator Liu Cigui of the SOA visited the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) on April 28, 2011. The two sides had the in-depth discussions about strengthening China-Indonesia maritime cooperation and advancing the development of China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate (CICOC), etc. Administrator Liu later visited the Bureau of Maritime and Fisheries Survey and Development, MMAF, and inspected the development of CICOC. 

Secretary General Gellwynn Yusuf first of all extended welcome to the SOA delegation on behalf of the MMAF. He also apologized for Minister Fadel Muhammad's inability to be present as he was on a business trip to Europe and conveyed greetings of the Minister. Mr. Yusuf briefed on major functions of the MMAF and its 2011 targets, which included protecting maritime environment via extensive maritime research and better knowledge of the ocean; protecting and managing fishing resources and boosting maritime product qualities; strengthening Indonesian maritime research and its personnel capabilities through closer cooperation with the Chinese side in capability building. Secretary General Yusuf said that the Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between the State Oceanic Administration of China and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia signed in 2007 had laid the foundation for bilateral cooperation. And the cooperation had been advanced to a new height following the renewal of the Memorandum, witnessed by Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Indonesia.

In his speech, Administrator Liu said that the State Oceanic Administration valued the cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia. In recent years, the two sides had succeeded in hosting the first Joint Committee Meeting and the fourth seminar, implementing numerous bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects based on the spirit of mutually beneficial and win-win results, adding new energy to China-Indonesia ties and strengthening mutual trust and friendship between the two peoples. Mr. Liu said that Indonesia was the first country he visited as the administrator of SOA. Though it only lasted for three days, he gained a lot from this visit. The Chinese delegation has received warm welcome from Indonesian governmental departments, provincial and municipal maritime-related organizations. The delegation felt not only the enthusiasm, sincerity and friendliness of Indonesian experts and common people, but also their strong desire and aspiration for closer cooperation with the Chinese side in maritime environmental observation and prediction, maritime disaster prevention and mitigation, maritime scientific research and capability building. Through this trip, the Chinese side was satisfied by cooperative achievements with greater confidence in stimulating Indonesian economic growth for the benefits of people in coastal communities through more effective cooperation. 

Administrator Liu Cigui briefed on the following six major jobs recently. First, formulate and implement the maritime development strategy, with increased emphasis on planning and legislation. Two, ensure the steady and rapid growth of maritime economy via a comprehensive arrangement of onshore and offshore zones. Third, strengthen protection of maritime environment for a harmonious maritime ecosystem. Fourth, launch major maritime infrastructure projects and expand room for improvement of maritime affairs. Fifth, safeguard China's maritime interests and strength control over waters under its jurisdiction. Sixth, heighten maritime awareness in the whole society through extensive publicity. Considering Indonesia's concerns for cooperation, Administrator Liu proposed 10 fields for bilateral maritime cooperation: first, maritime science and technology; second, maritime environmental observation system; third, maritime environmental forecast; fourth, maritime disaster prevention and mitigation; fifth, protection and improvement of maritime ecosystem; sixth, training on comprehensive management of coastal zones; seventh, maritime biodiversity and biological technology; eighth, research on ocean and climate change to optimize the China-Indonesia Center, make Padang Observation Station a demonstration of an advanced fully-equipped multi-functional research station, fasten the construction of Natuna Station, and initiate three to five maritime observation station in line with Indonesia's demand); ninth, start a fund for China-Indonesia maritime cooperation, offering support for prioritized cooperation fields and key cooperation projects; tenth, set up a regular maritime-related ministerial meeting for consultations and exchanges over major cooperation issues and international hot issues concerning maritime affairs. 

Secretary General Yusuf agreed completely with the proposals and suggested the two sides deepen cooperation and exchanges on maritime affairs, guided by the Five Year Plan for China-Indonesia Cooperation on Maritime Science and Technology (2011-2015), the ten proposals made by Administrator Liu, and the MOU on bilateral maritime cooperation, which was soon to be revised and renewed. The Indonesian side welcomed China's participation in the construction of "Indian ocean observation system" and promised to finish the construction of the Padang Station and Natuna station. Indonesia was open to China's suggestion about adding three to five observation stations, so as to offer platforms for cooperation and provide information for maritime survey, disaster prevention and mitigation, and the research of the impacts of monsoon on the climate change. It hoped for support from China on human resources training and observation apparatuses, etc. Administrator Liu said that China was to carry on visit exchanges and training programs between young scholars of the two countries, to raise gradually the number of Indonesian young scholars taking part in training and seminars in China, to fasten the construction of Padang and Natuna Stations, installing equipment in Padang and to provide other observation apparatuses required by Indonesia. 

(6) The Fifth China-Indonesia Seminar on Cooperation in Maritime Science and Environmental Protection Held

The Fifth China-Indonesia Seminar on Cooperation in Maritime Science and Environmental Protection was held in Xiamen, Fujian from December 15 to 16, 2011. Institutes of the two countries signed agreements on three research programs: impacts of upwelling in Java on fish migration, water exchange between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean and its impact on fish migration, and maritime microorganism and bio-activator. Experts from both sides had discussion over maritime scientific research, maritime management, the development of maritime biological resources, and protection of maritime environment, etc., as well as their future cooperation. Zhang Zhanhai, head of the Department of International Cooperation of the State Oceanic Administration, and Hari，Director of the Research Center of Maritime and Fisheries Product Processing and Biotechnology delivered keynote speeches on "China-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation: Retrospect and Prospect". Reviewing bilateral cooperation in maritime observation and survey, coastal management, maritime biological resource development, environmental protection, the development of China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate, they demonstrated willingness to implement the Five Year Plan for China-Indonesia Cooperation on Maritime Science and Technology (2011-2015) as well as the ten proposals on China-Indonesia maritime cooperation. 

(7) Administrator Liu Cigui Met with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia

On March 22, 2012, Administrator Liu Cigui met in Beijing with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo and Secretary General Gellwynn Yusuf of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia (MMAFI). The two sides exchanged views on China-Indonesia maritime cooperation. Deputy Administrator Chen Lianzeng and other officials from the SOA and the MMAFI participated in the meeting. 

On behalf of the State Oceanic Administration, Mr. Liu first of all extended warm welcome to Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo and his delegation. Liu said that last April, when accompanying Premier Wen Jiabao in his visit to Indonesia, he visited the Ministry and renewed the MOU between China and Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation with Secretary General Gellwynn Yusuf with an in-depth discussion on bilateral maritime cooperation. Administrator Liu also expressed gratitude for the hospitality they received from departments at various levels when visiting the Bureau of Maritime and Fisheries Survey and Development of the MMAF, the China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate, and the Padang Maritime Observation Station. 

Administrator Liu briefed on the progress of China-Indonesia maritime cooperation, pointing out that outstanding results have been obtained through steady and pragmatic promotion of cooperation in maritime affairs, including maritime environmental protection, tackling climate change, disaster prevention and mitigation, etc. He believed that through this meeting as well as the signing of the Arrangement on the Development of Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate witnessed by leaders of both countries, the two sides were to make a giant leap in bilateral cooperation. Administrator Liu made the following five proposals in promoting maritime cooperation: first, to establish a mechanism of visit, exchange and dialogue between high-level officials of the two countries; second, to support the development of China-Indonesia Center; third, to raise China-Indonesia Center's development capabilities via applying for China-Indonesia Maritime cooperation; fourth, implement the Framework Program for International Cooperation in the South China Sea and Its Adjacent Waters (2011-2015); fifth, to stimulate blue economy in the Asian Pacific region under the APEC framework. 

Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo extended gratitude to Administrator Liu for his hospitality, and emphasized that the two sides had made great progress in maritime cooperation in recent years, particularly, with the establishment of the China-Indonesia Center the two sides were able to have deepened cooperation in maritime scientific research and gained positive results, which were conducive to the development of economic and Social development of both countries. Mr. Sutarjo said that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia and the State Oceanic Administration of China had a solid foundation for maritime cooperation, and the cooperation was certain to be strengthened based on the five proposals made by Administrator Liu. He added that, this meeting as well as the Arrangement on the Development of Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate to be signed would no doubt contribute to new progress in bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

(8) President Hu Jintao Made a Six-point Proposal Concerning Maritime Cooperation to Deepen China-Indonesia Relations 

President Hu Jintao met with Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic in the Great Hall of the people on March 23, 2012. President Hu said that the Chinese side would like to work with Indonesia to strengthen bilateral partnership from the following aspects with account of their own development strategies and programs: first, to strengthen strategic exchanges and promote neighborly mutual trust; second, to expand cooperation in economy and trade for common development; third, to raise cooperation in national defense and security to a high level; fourth, to expand cooperation in ocean and aerospace; fifth, to lay a solid foundation for people-to-people exchanges; sixth, to safeguard common interests through international and regional collaboration. 

President Yudhoyono said that the Indonesian side completely agreed with the six proposals, which were sure to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral ties. 

Administrator Liu Cigui of the State Oceanic Administration participated in the welcoming ceremony and the bilateral meeting between President Hu and President Yudhoyono. Witnessed by the two leaders, Administrator Liu signed with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries the Arrangement on the Development of Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate (hereafter referred to as "Arrangement"). 

The signing of the Arrangement marked the elevation of the China-Indonesia Center to a national-level center, a new stage for bilateral maritime cooperation, and a new chapter for international maritime cooperation as well. Approved by the State Oceanic Administration of China and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, the China-Indonesia Center for Maritime and Climate was founded jointly by the First Institute of Oceanography, SOA and the Maritime Fisheries Research Department of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Djakarta, the capital of Indonesia on May 14, 2010. The purpose of China-Indonesia Center was to promote maritime scientific research and cooperation, to advance maritime technologies, to protect maritime environment and encourage sustainable utilization of maritime resources. It's committed to research on the Indian Ocean and its adjacent waters. As a platform for China-Indonesia cooperation in maritime affairs and climate change, the center was supposed to boost bilateral cooperation through setting up joint research stations and conducting joint survey and research, to develop a database and an information center of maritime and climate in the Indian Ocean and its adjacent waters via the establishment of a joint maritime observation system, and to promote staff exchanges and capability building through seminar and training. 

Since its founding, the China-Indonesia Center has gained sufficient support from governmental departments of both countries like maritime affairs departments, ministries of foreign affairs, and ministries of science. The achievements made by the Centre also attracted the attention of the leaders of both countries. Premier Wen Jiabao spoke highly of the Center in a bilateral meeting during his visit to Indonesia, pointing out that China-Indonesia Center was the first joint institute founded by China in a foreign country. 

According to the Arrangement, China-Indonesia Center will focus on the following cooperation projects in the near future: to establish joint observation stations, to put in place infrastructure and supporting facilities including a research vessel, to encourage the ideal of "blue economy", and to facilitate exchanges between maritime officials and scientists, etc. China-Indonesia Center will conduct its job with the help by Maritime Cooperation Fund under the MOU of Maritime Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Indonesia.

(9) Administrator Liu Cigui of the State Oceanic Administration Anticipated Deepened Bilateral Cooperation in Maritime Affairs When Meeting with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia

On May 13, 2013, Administrator Liu Cigui of the State Oceanic Administration met in Beijing with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, and they exchanged opinions on deepening bilateral cooperation in maritime affairs. 

Administrator Liu was responsible for the drafting of National Maritime Development Strategy and coordinator major maritime affairs. Mr. Liu extended welcome to the delegation for visiting the State Oceanic Administration and briefed on the recent reform of functions of the Administration according to decisions made by the State Council. He said that the National Oceanic Commission, a high-level deliberative and coordinating body was to be established, and its routine jobs would fall within the responsibilities of the State Oceanic Administration. The restructured State Oceanic Administration was endowed with the function of maritime law enforcement as it had been added with a law enforcement body. Administrator Liu spoke highly of the achievements made in bilateral maritime cooperation in recent years. He said that both sides shall strengthen their cooperation in maritime observation and survey, environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, protection of biodiversity, and maritime law enforcement, etc. and they shall apply jointly for the China-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Fund through strengthened communication and coordination so as to push forward cooperative programs.

Minister Sutarjo said that this was his third meeting with Administrator Liu and the mechanism of regular dialogue between high-level maritime authorities of the two was conducive to bilateral maritime cooperation. He applauded the achievements made by the State Oceanic Administration in recent years and the rapid progress in China's Oceanic affairs, adding that the functions of the SOA had been strengthened after the restructuring, which was certain to play a greater role in promoting maritime comprehensive management and maritime economy. China and Indonesia would continue to deepen their cooperation in the construction of the China-Indonesia Center of Ocean and Climate, maritime observation and monitoring, research vessel management, etc. 

Deputy Administrator Chen Lianzeng also had a meeting with Director General Gellwynn Yusuf the Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia and made five proposals in deepening bilateral maritime cooperation. First, the two sides shall sign the China-Indonesia Joint Action Plan for Maritime Cooperation (2013-2017), and revise the Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between the State Oceanic Administration of China and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia and the Arrangement on the Development of Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate. Second, the two sides shall reach consensus via view exchanges on the Construction Program on China-Indonesia Joint Oceanic Observation Station. Third, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia shall offer support for the development of Chin-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate. Fourth, to co-host the First China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Forum. Fifth, the Chinese side was ready to jointly draft and announce the Blue Economy Initiative with Indonesia and explore models for blue economy development. Mr. Yusuf said that the five proposals made by Deputy Administrator Chen were of great significance to bilateral maritime cooperation and that the two sides shall expand bilateral maritime cooperation through coordinating in implementing China-Indonesia Joint Action Plan for Maritime Cooperation (2013-2017), and exploring new models for blue economy. 

(10) The Second China-Indonesia Joint Committee Meeting on Maritime Cooperation Convened

The Second China-Indonesia Joint Committee Meeting on Maritime Cooperation convened in Djakarta, Indonesia on May 12, 2014. The vice division chief of Bilateral Cooperation of the International Cooperation Department, SOA, and Vice Director of China-Indonesia Center for Ocean and Climate jointed a delegation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take part in this meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and his Indonesian counterpart. Participants looked back to where they had got in bilateral cooperative programs, and nodded at the progress made in the program of China-Indonesia Joint Observation Station taken by the SOA and the AAMF. The two sides both applauded achievements made in maritime observation and maritime dynamics study, adding that both governments would continue to support the construction of the China-Indonesia observation station. 

On the sidelines of the meeting, representatives of the state Oceanic Administration exchanged views with Indonesian officials on applying for China-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Fund in supporting the construction of joint observations stations and other newly-introduced cooperative programs, and they reached initial consensus on the joint implementation of maritime comprehensive surveillance and service. 

(11) Administrator Liu Cigui Met with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia

On August 28, 2014, Administrator Liu Cigui of the State Oceanic Administration met in Xiamen with Minister Sharif Cicip Sutarjo of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, who attended the Fourth APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting. 

Administrator Liu first of all sent welcome to Minister Sutarjo, saying that they had exchanged visits and had various discussions about bilateral maritime cooperation and the development of blue economy. The Chinese side valued maritime cooperation with Indonesia and their collaboration in recent years had produced impressive results. 

Administrator Liu pointed out that China attached great importance to Indonesia for its status and role as a vital member of APEC. The Chinese side would like to extend its gratitude to Indonesia for its constructive role in China's preparations for the Fourth APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting. The two countries shall joint hands in ensuring the direction of APEC cooperation and making the meeting a big success. 

Minister Sutarjo expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for its hospitality as well as congratulations on the meeting, and he also sent an invitation to Administrator Liu for a visit to Indonesia. He said that Indonesia attached great importance to blue economy, with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries working together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations in exploring the philosophy and content of blue economy. A pilot zone for blue economy had been established in Lombok. Indonesia is very pleased to see that the philosophy of blue economy was included in Xiamen Declaration, and it was ready to make greater contribution to the development of blue economy in APEC region and the globe as a whole. 

The two sides would like to create a brighter future for bilateral maritime cooperation through joined endeavors in implementing the existing cooperative programs, renewing at a proper moment the MOU on Maritime Cooperation between China and Indonesia, and conducting the China-Indonesia Joint Action Plan for Maritime Cooperation (2013-2017).

Deputy Administrator Chen Lianzeng of the SOA, Chief Wu Nanxiang of Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries, and other officials from the General Office of the SOA, the International Cooperation Department of the SAO attended the meeting.