China's BRI Presents Strategic Risks and Domestic Implications in Indonesia

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is increasingly presenting strategic risks to Indonesia, alongside its promise of economic development. Launched in 2013, the BRI aims to transform global trade and connectivity, but it has also come with unexpected costs and consequences for recipient countries. The deep integration of Chinese technology into telecommunications networks and government utilities has become a significant concern. Nations in the EU and North America have noted risks to national security and sovereignty posed by Chinese technology, yet companies like Huawei and Dahua Technologies remain actively involved in infrastructure development in strategic locations. Indonesia is a key partner in the BRI, with Chinese investments evident in infrastructure projects, notably the high-speed rail connecting Java and Sumatra. However, these projects are often tied to Chinese loans, raising questions about repayment capacity and transparency in technology transfer. Past reports of unauthorized interception of Chinese communication devices and China's use of advanced surveillance technologies against its own Uyghur population have fueled similar concerns within Indonesia. Against this backdrop, there are growing calls for the Indonesian government to strengthen security standards in technology procurement and foster domestic industries as BRI projects are implemented. Pressure from Western nations to participate in "Clean Network" initiatives could also influence Indonesia's technology choices. Indonesia must carefully navigate its engagement with the BRI, balancing economic development with national security. The selection of technologies for the transition to next-generation networks, such as the rollout of 5G, will be a critical decision shaping Indonesia's future digital sovereignty and international standing.