Chinese manufacturers are now looking for new locations - industrial relocation - to avoid high tariffs from the United States. They also open up opportunities for Indonesia, which is subject to lower tariffs (19%), to become a location to invest.

Deli Stationary Regional Manager Liu Zijian said that Indonesia has entered the radar of Chinese investors to invest, because economic growth is stable and the number of middle class continues to increase. But in order for Indonesia to be looked at, the Indonesian government must provide a package of convenience in investing, so that Indonesia's attractiveness is even higher.

"Investors like simple things. If there is a long process, investors may go and find new markets," Liu said at the OCBC One Connect 2025 event , Strengthening the China-Indonesia Manufacturing Ecosystem, in Jakarta (27/8).

Liu said that investors will invest if they are given convenience, such as an uncomplicated licensing process. Therefore, the Indonesian government must provide a package that is friendly to investment.

Recently, in addition to stationery products, car brands such as Wuling, BYD, and Chery have enlivened the Indonesian automotive industry. They offer a blend of affordability, cutting-edge technology, and attractive design, to challenge Japanese incumbents such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi.

Seres Group, a car manufacturer from the Land of the Great Wall, said it will continue to invest, expand operations, and support the growth of the new energy vehicle industry in Indonesia. Vice President of Seres Group, Clifford Kang, affirmed Seres Group's commitment to continue strengthening its presence in Indonesia through the localization strategy that has been implemented since 2013.

"Since entering the Indonesian market in 2013, we have made localization a core strategy. In 2018, we completed the construction of Sokonindo's Seres plant with an investment of more than US$150 million," said Clifford Kang at the Road to Indonesia: Closing Ceremony - Celebrating 75 Years of Indonesia-China Friendship at Shangri-La Jakarta (25/8).

The plant is the first modern energy plant in Banten Province with an annual production capacity of more than 50,000 vehicles. Interestingly, more than 85% of the workforce at the plant is local.

"This plant is a true testament to smart manufacturing, technological innovation, as well as our commitment to produce in Indonesia for Indonesia," he added.

Clifford explained that Seres has always focused on innovation and empowering mobility through technology. The presence of the factory in Banten not only reflects a major investment, but also a contribution to Indonesia's economic growth, especially in the new energy vehicle industry.

According to Clifford, Seres is also committed to working with partners in Indonesia to support the development of the new energy vehicle industry and the national economy. He also mentioned the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China, which is marked by close cooperation in the economic and cultural fields. 

Clifford explained that smart technology should serve people and bring them closer together. With the vision of intelligence redefining luxury, Seres is committed to bringing smarter and safer mobility to customers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. 

In addition to Seres, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) claims that the progress of building its factory in Indonesia worth US $ 1 billion or around Rp 16 trillion is still on target. President Director of BYD Motor Indonesia Eagle Zhao revealed that within the next 1 year the construction of the factory was completed.

Launching CNBC, the factory being built is located in the Subang industrial area, West Java. Its production capacity reaches 150,000 units of electric vehicles (EVs) per year. The company will make Indonesia to focus on the export market.

Although there is no factory yet, the Indonesian government provides a policy that allows BYD to import cars into Indonesia without being subject to import duties. The goal is to attract investment and stimulate demand for electric vehicles in Indonesia.

China's favorite sector

Deputy Minister of Investment / BKPM Todotua Pasaribu said, there are three investment sectors that China is most interested in Indonesia. Starting from the downstream sector, energy, to manufacturing.

China is Indonesia's second largest investor. According to Todotua, China has its own strategy in investing in Indonesia.

"When it comes to investment value, yes, China is indeed one of those whose investment realization into our country is very significant," Todotua said on the occasion of attending OCBC Connect 2025, in Jakarta (27/8).

China is indeed developing its manufacturing industry in Indonesia. On the other hand, China also sees Indonesia as a large market share for the energy sector.

China's investment realization in Indonesia has grown 31% in the last 6 years. In detail, investment in the basic metal processing industry was 44%, then transportation, warehouses and telecommunications 18% with a value of US$ 6.39 billion. Then, in the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals 10% worth US$ 3.41 billion. 

OCBC Connect: investment forum

For additional information, PT Bank OCBC NISP Tbk (OCBC Indonesia) and OCBC Singapore for the third time held OCBC One Connect, a two-day business forum that brings together industry players, stakeholders, and investors from China and Indonesia.

Held on August 26-27, 2025, the event is designed to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing sector through cross-country collaboration and the creation of an integrated industrial ecosystem. The forum is a tangible form of OCBC's commitment in supporting Indonesia's national priorities to attract foreign direct investment, particularly from China.

Chinese investment in Indonesia has been steadily increasing over the past few years. This is reflected in the steady growth of China's foreign direct investment (FDI) which reached USD 30.5 billion from 2021 to H1 2025 or 14% of foreign investment in Indonesia.

OCBC Indonesia President Director Parwati Sarjaudaha said OCBC One Connect 2025 was organized to bridge investment needs and local capabilities.

"Here OCBC takes the role as a catalyst for cross-border synergy, facilitating investors and local partners in building sustainable relationships," said Parwati.

This, according to Parwati, is in line with our commitment as part of the OCBC Group to support Indonesia's economic growth, as well as helping business people to achieve their aspirations in ASEAN, Greater China and beyond.