‍During Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Indonesia, the Embassy of Indonesia in Shanghai and the municipal government jointly accomplished the second annual Indonesian Week campaign on May 6. The Oriental Pearl Tower color changed to red and white, same as Indonesia national flag.

About two million Chinese people visited Indonesia in 2017, making China the largest source of tourists for Indonesia, said Arief Yahya, Minister of Indonesian Tourism. 

Indonesia is promoting other islands, such as Manado Island, Lombok Island, and volcano tramping routes, besides Bali, the most popular destination for Chinese tourists. “I have been visiting China at least once a month to promote Indonesia,” said the Minister. “I’m glad it works.”

The Indonesia Festival 2018 contains an Indonesian culinary feast, Batik (traditional Indonesian costume) show, Angklung Sanggar (traditional bamboo musical instrument) band performance, and singing and dancing performances.

Besides the Tmall shop on Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, the Inacham has launched one shop on WeChat, China’s biggest instant messaging application. This is part of the ministry of trade and embassy’s initiative to promote Indonesian products. The bolster trading volume between China and Indonesia has reached 63 billion US dollars in 2017, while China has been Indonesia’s No.1 trade partner for seven consecutive years.

Jakarta and Shanghai are pushing the procedure of being “sister cities.” Although still a concept, the “sister city” cooperation will not limit to governmental level, but lies in corporate, schools and universities, and cultural organizations.