On 22 April 2025，H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) visited the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia and held discussions with Mr. Indra Ni Tua, Senior Official of the Department of Development and Cooperation, on advancing higher education collaboration between ASEAN and China, particularly between Indonesia and China.

Shi Zhongjun briefed on main activities hosted by the ACC under the framework of ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges and emphasized that higher education collaboration between Indonesia and China is grounded in cultural exchanges, driven by scientific and technological innovation, and oriented toward regional development.‌ Such collaboration not only supports the strategic priorities of both nations but also provides models for the South-South Cooperation in higher education. 2025 is still designated as the Year of ASEAN-China People-to-people Exchanges and marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. The ACC will continue to give full play to its role as a platform of cooperation and exchanges, to foster practical collaboration in education, culture, and other fields between ASEAN members and China, so as to deepen mutual trust and friendship and contribute more to building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.

Mr. Indra Ni Tua highlighted that higher education cooperation between Indonesia and China has a deep foundation and promising prospects. Indonesia attaches great importance to fostering young students’ understanding of the ASEAN region and China. As a newly established ministry, the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology prioritizes education’s role in talent development and socio-economic progress. Making good use of the ACC’s cooperation platform, the Ministry seeks to expand channels for cooperation with Chinese higher education institutions, to support ACC’s programs and activities in higher education, vocational education and faculty exchanges, and work toward deepening practical education collaboration between Indonesia and China, as well as between ASEAN and China.

During his visit, Shi Zhongjun also visited the Confucius Institute at Al Azhar University and engaged in in-depth discussions with Murni Djamal, Vice President of the Confucius Institute at Al Azhar University, Indonesian Director Feri Ansori, Chinese Director Wang Daxin and representatives of Chinese language volunteer teachers on strengthening educational and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and China. 

Shi Zhongjun also visited the Kraton Majapahit Jakarta, a museum dedicated to the history of Majapahit, and held discussions with Mr. A.M. Hendropriyono, the Curator of the museum, on promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian museums.