Building on Bandung Spirit, China-Indonesia Technology and Cultural Cooperation Yields Fruitful Results. On August 28, 2024, the opening ceremony for the world-class China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Technology (referred to as the "China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory"), funded by China's leading enterprise GEM and jointly established by Bandung Institute of Technology and Central South University, was held at Bandung Institute of Technology with great ceremony. Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Rector of Bandung Institute of Technology, Prof. Yi Hong, Chancellor of Central South University, Academician Chai Liyuan, Executive Vice President of Central South University, Mr. Wu Zhiwei, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, and Prof. Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, among others, attended the event. They witnessed this historic moment, bringing tremendous inspiration and momentum to the construction of a world-class China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory. Over 200 guests attended the ceremony, including representatives from Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Development, Metallurgical Research Center of BRIN, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce China Committee, the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Government of West Jawa, Government of Sumedang, Bandung Institute of Technology, Central South University, as well as representatives from Indonesian local enterprises and Chinese companies in Indonesia, and members of the Chinese and Indonesian press. The event garnered attention from top global news outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CNN, Antara, and Republika.

Minister Luhut, Prof. Reini, Prof. Xu Kaihua, and other distinguished guests jointly unveil the plaque for the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory

Minister Luhut, Prof. Reini, Prof. Xu Kaihua, and other distinguished guests pose for a group photo

Minister Luhut, Prof. Reini, Academician and Executive Vice President of CSU Chai Liyuan, and Prof. Xu Kaihua sign during the unveiling ceremony of the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory

The establishment of the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory aligns with the historical trend of China-Indonesia cooperation. As China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) connects with Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum vision, it creates boundless opportunities for collaboration between the two nations. In 2024, Chinese government announced the upgrade of the BRI to version 2.0, focusing on green cooperation and other key areas to promote global coordinated development and mutual benefit. Against this backdrop, GEM, a world-class enterprise in circular economy and metallurgical technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia's top technical university, and Central South University, home to world-class disciplines in metallurgical engineering and new energy materials, have jointly established the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory. This initiative aims to bring Chinese technology to benefit Indonesia, setting a benchmark project for the Belt and Road Initiative 2.0.

China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory

With the full support of the Indonesian government and the strong collaborative efforts of GEM, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), and Central South University (CSU), the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory has achieved three "firsts" in the history of China-Indonesia cooperation. It is the first scientific research laboratory built by a Chinese company in Indonesia. The lab was completed at record speed—taking just eight months from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to completion, and only four months from the start of construction to its finalization. This remarkable speed was achieved through the joint efforts of GEM, ITB, and CSU, representing a new benchmark for China's efficiency. The laboratory boasts world-leading design, with over 300 sets of the latest generation of global equipment, positioning it as a cutting-edge engineering and research center for metallurgical technology and new energy materials at a world-class level.

Prof. Reini, Prof. Yi Hong, and Prof. Xu Kaihua jointly sign the agreement for the establishment of the joint laboratory

The China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory is GEM's latest technological investment in Indonesia, following the successful establishment and operation of the "Laterite Nickel Ore Hydrometallurgy and New Energy Materials Engineering Technology Research Center" at IMIP in Morowali, Central Sulawesi Province.

The initial investment of $30 million for the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory includes two engineering and research centers (the Hydrometallurgy Engineering Technology Research Center and the New Energy Materials Engineering Technology Research Center) and 12 specialized research laboratories. This setup establishes a three-tiered innovation and R&D system: exploratory research, small-scale experimental research, and semi-industrial experimental research. The laboratory is equipped with over 300 world-class research and testing instruments from Japan, the United States, Germany, and other countries. It is capable of conducting key technology research across the entire industry chain, including mineral resource extraction, new energy materials synthesis, resource recycling, and environmental management. Additionally, it provides conditions and capabilities for training high-level master's and doctoral students.

With the mission of advancing high-level China-Indonesia scientific and cultural cooperation, globally renowned experts and scholars, as well as outstanding doctoral talents from China, Indonesia, Canada, and Australia, are contributing their expertise to the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory. Their efforts aim to elevate research in areas such as Indonesian metallurgical technology, new energy materials, and green technologies to the forefront of global advancements, providing continuous and robust support for the realization of the "Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision."

Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, emphasized in his speech that the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory holds crucial significance for enhancing the efficiency, innovation, quality, and sustainability of Indonesia's downstream mineral industry. He expressed his astonishment at the world-class construction speed of the laboratory, which was completed in just four months. He mentioned that Prof. Xu Kaihua has invested over $30 million to establish this research laboratory and expressed his strong willingness to assist Indonesia in advancing research collaboration with Chinese universities, particularly in achieving significant results in tailings research. Minister Luhut also placed high expectations on the scholars of Bandung Institute of Technology, urging the university to seize the opportunity presented by the establishment of the joint laboratory. He emphasized that the university should not only be an educational institution but also boldly transform into a top research center of national importance.

Minister Luhut also stated that the establishment of the joint laboratory is timely and serves as a vital implementation of the discussions he had with the Chinese government during his state visit to China in June regarding the importance of strengthening industrial talent collaboration between China and Indonesia. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for improving the quality of human resources and fostering innovative research.

Minister Luhut expressed his gratitude and respect to the Chinese government, Central South University, and Prof. Xu Kaihua for their strong commitment to investing in Indonesian talent. With the establishment of the joint research laboratory, he anticipates that, in the near future, Indonesia will see the emergence of individuals like Prof. Xu Kaihua—dedicated not only to research and innovation but also achieving commercial success. Such success will contribute to the well-being of the Indonesian people by creating job opportunities.

In her speech, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Rector of Bandung Institute of Technology, noted that traditional Indonesian industries and economic thinking have focused more on acquiring material resources. However, the concept of "circular economy" has become crucial for achieving inclusive economic growth and global sustainability. By employing the right technological efforts and business strategies, waste can be transformed into industrial and economic resources, thereby creating higher economic value and better controlling the environmental impact of industries. GEM advocates the "Limited Resources, Unlimited Recycling" industry philosophy and is a global leader in the circular economy sector. Prof. Reini expressed hope that through this joint laboratory collaboration, Bandung Institute of Technology will become a center of excellence in education, research, and innovation in the fields of circular economy and sustainable development, establishing itself as a center of excellence in West Java and Indonesia.

Chancellor of Central South University, Prof. Yi Hong highlighted the positive outcomes of the long-term mutual trust and cooperation between Central South University and Indonesia. Since 2019, the Master’s program in Metallurgical Engineering for Indonesian students has pioneered a new model for international talent cultivation through a "university-government-industry" collaboration. Building on the success of the previous three batch, this year the program has expanded its professional fields and increased its enrollment scale. Approximately 100 Indonesian students are expected to begin their studies at Central South University in the second half of this year. The rapid and smooth progress of the Joint Research Laboratory, achieved through the collective efforts of all parties, has created a new and larger platform for deepening future cooperation. Chancellor Yi Hong stated that the completion of the laboratory marks a new stage in the partnership. He expressed hope that all parties would focus on the goal of building a world-class advanced laboratory, exert greater effort, and work together to make continuous breakthroughs in the fields of new energy materials and metallurgical engineering technology. Additionally, using the establishment of the laboratory as a new starting point, he encouraged maintaining close interactions and actively pursuing broader and deeper cooperation, making new and significant contributions to advancing China-Indonesia collaboration to higher and broader levels.

In his speech, Prof. Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, emphasized that the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory represents hope for Indonesia. It symbolizes the country's opportunity to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies and will facilitate the rapid advancement of Indonesian metallurgical and new energy materials technologies to a world-class level. The laboratory aims to establish Indonesia as a high-tech innovation hub and a center for advanced talent development. Prof. Xu noted that the joint laboratory serves as a bridge connecting China and Indonesia, successfully creating a pathway for Chinese technology to benefit Indonesia.The completion of this laboratory will realize the transformation from Chinese speed of Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway to Chinese technology of Bandung Joint Laboratory, leading with green technology and setting a model for the "Belt and Road" 2.0 initiative. He pointed out that such a globally leading laboratory could only be achieved by GEM, as no other country's company could accomplish this. When asked why such an advanced research laboratory was built in Indonesia, Prof. Xu answered that it represents a significant contribution by Chinese enterprises to Indonesia. With Indonesia becoming a key investment destination for Chinese companies, and many companies experiencing good development there, he emphasized the importance of leaving behind technology and culture. Indonesia, rich in mineral resources but lacking advanced metallurgical talent and technology, stands to benefit greatly from this initiative. Prof. Xu expressed that the goal is to balance "taking" and "giving," allowing Chinese technology and education to benefit Indonesia. This will achieve a harmonious growth where both countries can complement and support each other, ensuring a lasting and fruitful partnership.

At the event, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Rector of Bandung Institute of Technology, presented the ITB Lifetime Honorary Award to Chairman Xu Kaihua.

Before the unveiling ceremony, Minister Luhut was warmly welcomed by GEM postdoctoral and doctoral representatives and students from the China-Indonesia joint engineering master's international program. He explored the Metallurgical History Corridor, gaining insights into the development pulse of metallurgical technology innovation and application. In the laboratory exhibition hall, he learned about the significant efforts driving the rapid establishment and operation of the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory. He visited the Engineering Research Center and laboratories, experiencing the robust three-tiered innovation and R&D system and world-class research and testing equipment.Minister Luhut, guided by Prof. Xu Kaihua, observed various advanced devices. He was particularly excited to discover that many world-class research instruments from Japan and the United States, some of which are unique in Indonesia, are only available at the joint laboratory. He expressed enthusiasm about the laboratory's comprehensive facilities for mining technology development, new energy materials technology, and recycling technology research, stating, "We in Indonesia can leverage this joint laboratory to develop independent technological result and achieve localization of patents."

Minister Luhut visited the classroom of the fourth batch of the China-Indonesia Joint Engineering Master’s International Program. He was particularly thrilled to see that 60 students from this batch are set to study at Central South University in China. Minister Luhut shared with the students the significant contributions of Chairman Xu Kaihua, including his investment in developing a high-tech nickel resource industrial park in Indonesia, establishing an engineering center, and creating the joint research laboratory. He highlighted the establishment of the China-Indonesia Joint Engineering Master’s International Program as a benchmark for advancing China-Indonesia technology and cultural exchanges, calling it an extraordinary achievement. Minister Luhut expressed his admiration for Prof. Xu Kaihua’s deep passion for education, noting that Xu’s selfless contribution to building research laboratories in Indonesia was truly moving. He hopes that Indonesia will see more experts like Prof. Xu—people who are not only intelligent but also compassionate and willing to help others as much as they can. Minister Luhut was pleased to see that some students from the China-Indonesia Joint Engineering Master’s International Program, under the joint training by GEM and Central South University, have already completed their master’s studies in China and become outstanding metallurgical engineers in Indonesia.

He emphasized that China's technology is highly advanced, advised everyone to fully utilize the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory to embracing innovation, and not only pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees but also applying practical knowledge to transform intelligence into products or research outcomes. He reminded the students that this is not just a laboratory but also an educational opportunity that can bring glory to Indonesia and help improve their own lives, turning dreams into reality. Minister Luhut encouraged everyone to seize this opportunity and strive for excellence, as such chances do not come around again.

Since 2018, GEM has invested over $1 billion dollars in Indonesia, establishing a high-tech nickel resource industrial park with a focus on "Technology + Intelligence + Green." The company has been a pioneer in extending into the downstream new energy materials industry chain, embodying the green development concept of "Put Nickel Laterite Ore in, Take Ternary Materials out." GEM has become a leader in the high-quality development of Indonesia's nickel resources and has successfully demonstrated the "successfully going out and coming back well" model, serving as an advanced representative of Chinese enterprises operating in Indonesia.

While investing in high-tech industries abroad, GEM has made efforts to explore the flexible power of "Technology + Culture," taking on social responsibilities and practicing a development model of mutual achievement and growth with local communities in Indonesia. This approach benefits the local people and ensures that Chinese enterprises' investments and developments abroad remain enduring and meaningful.

Prof. Xu Kaihua emphasized that "In a sea of three thousand weak waters, only a sip is taken" and that Chinese enterprises must not "barbarically" enter foreign markets but should do so "civilly," providing opportunities for local participation and achieving joint growth. He believes that balancing "taking and giving" is key to controlling desires and achieving a good combination of resources, capital, technology, and production factors with local partners.

Since 2019, GEM, as an investor, has collaborated with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and Central South University to establish the China-Indonesia Joint Training Program for Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering Master's International Class. This program, based on an international government-industry-academia-research model, aims to rapidly train engineers to meet Indonesia's urgent need for engineering talent in mining, metallurgy, and new energy development. The program has successfully trained 80 engineering master's students across three batch, gaining significant recognition from both governments and people of the two countries. Starting in 2024, the program will expand from the "Metallurgy and Materials" specialization to include three new fields: "Rail Transportation," "Non-Ferrous Metals International Trade," and more, with a total of four classes and an annual enrollment increase to 100 students. Additionally, beginning in 2024, the first three engineering master’s students will be admitted to Central South University as PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, receiving support from the Chinese government’s scholarship program. This marks the upgrade of the engineering master’s training to a PhD program. GEM, in collaboration with Central South University, has proposed the Talent Development Plan, aiming to train 100 engineering PhDs, 1,000 engineering masters, and 10,000 engineering technicians for Indonesia within six years. This initiative will ensure that Chinese technology and education comprehensively benefit Indonesia, fostering closer people-to-people connections between the two nations.

On November 6, 2023, in the presence of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the ESG project was signed, marking the launch of Indonesia's first domestically led enterprise for producing new energy materials from laterite nickel ore. This initiative shifts the long-standing history of nickel resource development in Indonesia being dominated by foreign companies and promotes the deep integration of Chinese technology with Indonesian resources, achieving complementary advantages and mutual success.

The ESG project is a joint venture involving MERDEKA Holdings, one of Indonesia's largest laterite nickel ore producers, GEM, a leading global company in HPAL technology for laterite nickel ore, and ECOPRO, a leading global enterprise in ternary cathode materials from South Korea, among other downstream companies. It represents the first enterprise in Indonesia led by local companies to produce new energy materials from laterite nickel ore.

GEM will provide technology and EPC services for the project, creating a case of deep cooperation between Chinese technology and Indonesian resources. The project aims to establish a complete industrial chain from Indonesian nickel resources to new energy materials manufacturing, exemplifying the profound integration of Indonesian resources with Chinese technology.

Chinese technology benefits Indonesia! The China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory, which carries the historical mission of China-Indonesia technological and cultural exchange, has launched in Bandung, Indonesia. Embracing the Bandung Spirit of "Unity, Friendship, and Cooperation" and the Belt and Road Initiative's principles of joint consultation, construction, and sharing, the laboratory creates a new model of Chinese technology benefiting Indonesia. It aims to be a flagship project of China-Indonesia scientific cooperation and cultural exchange, leading the way in the Belt and Road 2.0 model, and contributes a brilliant chapter to the global community of shared future through Chinese enterprises' international expansion!