China often markets “green” investment as a branding strategy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Yet behind the sustainability slogans lies a question: what narratives are actually being promoted in Indonesia? This report examines the background and context of Chinese investment, explains the practice of greenwashing, and highlights the negative impacts that have emerged. By examining the narratives, key actors, and policy gaps, the report seeks to reveal the realities behind green labels that often fail to match conditions on the ground.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a G20 member, Indonesia is both a strategic BRI partner and a key player in the global energy transition. Its natural resources, such as nickel, cobalt, and bauxite, have made Indonesia a hub in the global clean energy supply chain, particularly for electric vehicles and batteries. This position has attracted substantial Chinese investment in extractive industries, energy, and infrastructure—from the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway to nickel smelters. This report explores how these investments are framed through green narratives, as well as their real consequences for Indonesia’s economy, environment, and governance.
China has increasingly marketed “green investment” as a branding strategy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Yet behind the sustainability slogans lies an important question: what narratives are actually being promoted in Indonesia? This report unpacks the background and context of Chinese investment, explains the practice of greenwashing, and highlights the negative impacts that have emerged. By examining the narratives, key actors, and policy gaps, it seeks to reveal the realities behind the green labels that often fail to match conditions on the ground.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a G20 member, Indonesia is both a strategic BRI partner and a pivotal player in the global energy transition. Its abundant natural resources—nickel, cobalt, and bauxite—have placed Indonesia at the heart of the global clean energy supply chain, particularly for electric vehicles and batteries. This strategic position has attracted massive flows of Chinese investment into extractive industries, energy, and infrastructure—from the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway to nickel smelters. This report explores how such investments are framed through “green” narratives, and the real consequences they carry for Indonesia’s economy, environment, and governance.
Celios_China's Greenwashing in Indonesia 2025 Download