Why did I choose Indonesia for my next trip? Because it gave my spirit a “booster shot.” It made me deeply understand that as long as Chinese blood flows in my veins, I must be strong no matter what I face. This is a national spirit rooted in our heritage.
A Century of Resilience: From Outcasts to Economic Pillars
Due to policy support, we chose a model of “group exhibition + post-show field sales” to enter Indonesia. On the night we landed in Jakarta, a 75-year-old Chinese-Indonesian gentleman came to pick us up. He was experienced and agile. He introduced us to Jakarta’s geography and ethnic distribution.
He told us that most of the Chinese here came from Fujian and Hainan over 100 years ago. At that time, they crossed the ocean to this strange land to escape war or seek a livelihood. They started as despised outsiders. They experienced dark times of exclusion and even persecution. But now, the Chinese community has firmly established itself. They have become the absolute backbone of the Indonesian economy.
According to online sources, Chinese-Indonesians control 80%-90% of the nation’s wealth. Many of the largest assets, from chain stores and private universities to large corporations, belong to them. Even the tallest and most beautiful modern buildings are often of Chinese origin. The popular tea brand “Mixue” has become a landmark, with a branch every few kilometers. Chinese banks have also opened branches here. For a country once ruled by the Dutch for hundreds of years, the achievements of the Chinese community are truly remarkable. Their journey reflects incredible hardship and resilience.
Indonesia Chinatown – Locals also call it “Little Singapore in Indonesia
“Our Motherland is Strong, So We Are Respected”
I asked him, “What do you think is the biggest difference between life in the past and now?”
His answer shook my soul:
“Our motherland has become strong, so we are respected. Now, no one dares to bully us so easily anymore.”
This statement moved me deeply. You can change your nationality, but you cannot change your bloodline. You also cannot change how others perceive your ethnic identity. We can and should listen to different voices. But we should never do anything to harm our own people.
The Legacy of Zheng He and a “Family-Like” Reception
Indonesia has a strong religious atmosphere, with Islam being the largest religion. Here, the Ming Dynasty navigator Zheng He is still revered like a deity. When he sailed the “Western Seas,” he brought more than just exquisite porcelain and silk. More importantly, he gave the local people grain seeds and taught them how to farm. This provided the most practical help to a population that was struggling with hunger.
With this historical background, doing business in Indonesia as a Chinese person felt like I had divine assistance. Chinese-speaking clients treated me like family. This was especially true in Surabaya. The first thing an old client said when he saw me was, “Do you have enough money to spend? Do you have enough Indonesian Rupiah?” I was deeply touched at that moment.
Another Chinese-Indonesian owner of a large food factory, an hour’s drive away, insisted on sending me back to my hotel in his private car. Another client in Surabaya warmly invited me to dinner. Their sincerity and warmth made me feel like I was with family.
Zheng He Mosque
Practical Tips for the Indonesian Market
Based on this experience, I have two practical tips for doing business in Indonesia:
1.Carry Enough Cash: Indonesia’s mobile payment system is not as developed as China’s. Cash is still king, especially in cities outside of Jakarta like Surabaya. I ran into trouble because I didn’t have enough cash. Luckily, I met a fellow countryman at the airport who exchanged some money with me.
2.Seek Local Partnerships: Indonesia has many food processing factories and great market potential. However, if you want to enter the market quickly, it is best to partner with a local agent. This is especially true for large factories that require custom solutions. Direct cross-border communication is often slow and inefficient. A local partner can provide more timely service and support.
- My trip to Indonesia was a business journey, but it was also a spiritual baptism. It gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a “Descendant of the Dragon.”
Have you had similar experiences abroad, shaped by culture or heritage? Feel free to share your story in the comments.
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