Strategic Partnership Between South China Morning Post and Kadin Indonesia
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has entered into a significant memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, known as Kadin Indonesia. This collaboration aims to create a platform for dialogue between business leaders from Indonesia and the Chinese mainland, including Hong Kong. The partnership is expected to foster stronger economic ties and provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between the two regions.
The SCMP, which has been covering China from Hong Kong since its first publication in November 1903, will leverage its editorial expertise, influence, and global readership. On the other hand, Kadin Indonesia will mobilize the country’s business leadership and provide access to its extensive network of enterprises. Both parties will be equal partners in advancing a range of initiatives, according to the agreement signed on Saturday in Jakarta.
One of the key projects under this partnership is the “China Conference: Southeast Asia,” a flagship event that will take place in Jakarta in early 2026. This will be the first time the annual conference is held in Indonesia, marking a significant milestone for the event. The SCMP’s Executive Managing Editor, Zuraidah Ibrahim, mentioned that both parties are actively discussing the topics and speakers for the conference.
Expanding Reach and Building Connections
The collaboration highlights the SCMP’s efforts to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, a region that is increasingly interconnected with the Chinese mainland. The newspaper aims to serve the needs of its global audience by providing in-depth coverage of the region’s dynamics and its relationship with China. This initiative is seen as a testament to the SCMP’s success in building a trusted voice for Southeast Asian news.
Hong Kong, the home base of the SCMP, plays a crucial role as a strategic bridge between Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland. It also serves as a launching pad for Chinese companies looking to expand into Indonesia, a market with a population of 285 million and the largest economy in Southeast Asia.
Over the years, the SCMP has hosted several of its annual conferences in Southeast Asia, which is its second-largest online readership market after the United States. The newspaper recently held a one-day event in Kuala Lumpur in February this year, following a successful two-day inaugural conference in 2018 that attracted over 1,000 corporate leaders and policymakers. In 2023, the conference was held in Singapore for the first time.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Kadin Indonesia’s chairman, Anindya Bakrie, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. He emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Indonesia, ASEAN, and Hong Kong-Greater China. The association, established in 1968, represents over 30,000 companies and 200 business guilds, making it a powerful voice in Indonesia’s business community.
“Asia is the world’s growth engine, and stronger ties between Indonesia-Asean and Hong Kong-Greater China will create new opportunities for our businesses and our people,” Anindya said. He added that through this agreement, Kadin Indonesia is proud to strengthen the investment and trade corridor between the regions, turning shared insights into shared prosperity.
Future Prospects and Initiatives
Looking ahead, the SCMP and Kadin Indonesia plan to explore more initiatives that can benefit businesses and foster mutual growth. These include leveraging the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area and supporting China’s APEC leadership in the coming year. The upcoming China Conference: Southeast Asia 2026 in Jakarta is expected to bring together business leaders from across the region.
This partnership underscores the growing importance of Southeast Asia in the global economic landscape and the potential for increased collaboration between the region and the Chinese mainland. As the SCMP continues to expand its reach, it remains committed to delivering credible and insightful coverage that connects readers with the latest developments in the region.
