On the evening of October 12, Wang Lutong, China’s newly appointed ambassador to Indonesia, arrived in Jakarta and delivered a statement at the airport.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wang described Indonesia as a beautiful “archipelagic nation,” a key member of ASEAN and the birthplace of the Bandung Spirit. He emphasized the friendly relations and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia, noting that under the strategic leadership of both countries’ heads of state, the relationship has consistently thrived. He stated that the construction of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future has entered a new phase, highlighted by deepening political mutual trust, fruitful pragmatic cooperation, and increasingly vibrant cultural exchanges. As both developing and emerging market countries, China and Indonesia share similar positions on international and regional issues, closely collaborating to inject stability and positive energy into the world. Ambassador Wang affirmed China’s commitment to continue supporting Indonesia as both nations pursue modernization and national rejuvenation, steering bilateral relations towards long-term stability through the joint construction of a community with a shared future.

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, as well as the 70th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference. Ambassador Wang noted that, in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape, the ongoing cooperation between China and Indonesia not only aligns with the common interests of both nations and their peoples, but also contributes to global peace, stability, and prosperity. Reflecting on this significant moment, he expressed his honor at being appointed as China’s ambassador to Indonesia, acknowledging the weight of his responsibilities. He committed to fulfilling his duties, acting as a continuer of friendship between the two countries, a promoter of cooperation, and a guardian of the shared interests of their peoples, with the aim of writing a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia.

Wang Lutong, the 14th Chinese ambassador to Indonesia, was born in September 1969 and is a seasoned diplomat. Prior to this posting, he served as the Director-General of the European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His official biography reveals that he has worked in various capacities, including at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, and in several departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as serving as the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue, and as the Deputy Director-General of the Protocol Department.

The previous ambassador to Indonesia, Lu Kang, returned to China in May of this year and is now serving as the Deputy Minister of the International Liaison Department.