China-Indonesia space cooperation to deliver mutual benefits: consul general

Video by Qiu Weibin, Wang Haolan

As a follow-up to a previous investment promotion conference in January, Dr. Ben Perkasa Drajat, Consul General of Indonesia in Guangzhou, led a delegation to visit Cangyu Space-Based Information and Communication Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Cangyu Space) in Luohu District on March 5.

Dr. Ben Perkasa Drajat (L), Consul General of Indonesia in Guangzhou, poses for a photo with Shen Zhijun, senior vice president of Cangyu Space, at the office of Cangyu Space-Based Information and Communication Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. in Luohu District on March 5. Photos by Qiu Weibin unless otherwise stated

During the visit, he held talks with the company’s management on deepening bilateral cooperation between China and Indonesia in the space industry.

The delegation from the Consulate General of Indonesia in Guangzhou engages in a seminar with the management of Cangyu Space on China-Indonesia space cooperation March 5. Wang Haolan

Established in Beijing in 2021, Cangyu Space is the world’s first commercial space company specializing in the design and operation of data relay satellite systems in medium and high Earth orbits. The company officially opened a wholly owned subsidiary in Luohu District last November, primarily focusing on overseas business expansion and the research and development of 5G communication technology and real-time remote sensing.

“Indonesia is in a very strategic position to advance and strengthen its space industry in the future,” Drajat told Shenzhen Daily, noting that visiting Cangyu Space was the sole purpose of this trip to Shenzhen.

Drajat gives an interview to Shenzhen Daily.

“We are a geographically vast country with a large population, ranking fourth in the world,” the consul general said. “Statistics show that more than 40% of Indonesians are of productive age. In summary, Indonesia presents a large and attractive market for overseas companies seeking to expand their presence.”

The points raised by the Consul General addressed Cangyu Space’s needs as it seeks to expand into the Indonesian market. Drajat also noted that the Consulate General is willing to support the company’s local business development.

Rather than framing the relationship as Indonesia seeking assistance from China, the consul general described China–Indonesia cooperation in commercial space and other emerging industries as a mutually supportive partnership.

Drajat (3rd R) tours Cangyu Space's Shenzhen office March 5.

“Indonesia is also in a position to help China,” Drajat said. “For example, we have favorable atmospheric conditions for space activities. In addition, Indonesia’s geographic location near the equator makes it an ideal site for satellite launches.”

As a member economy of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Drajat saw great potential for the Asia-Pacific region to become one of the most productive and prosperous regions in the world.

With this year marking the APEC “China Year” — which will feature more than 300 related events across Chinese cities, including the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for Nov. 18 to 19 in Shenzhen — he said he believes that China “is in a position to lead the region not only in economic growth, trade and investment, but also in enhancing greater equality in regional economic development.”

The Consul General, noting that he has visited Shenzhen dozens of times, demonstrated a deep understanding of the city’s emerging industries and innovation landscape.

“Every new thing in China must come from Shenzhen,” Drajat said. “The city strongly supports the development of high-tech technologies, the digital industry… and even the space industry in the future.”

A group photo of the Consulate General delegation and Cangyu Space representatives.

The establishment of Cangyu Space’s Shenzhen subsidiary in Luohu District has been seen as a significant step forward for the local aerospace industry. The company has launched the world’s first commercial high-orbit relay satellite program and has joined forces with Wuhan University to establish the Innovation Center for Real-Time Remote Sensing Based on Relay Communication in Luohu. 

Both programs were unveiled during the 2025 Shenzhen (Luohu) Aerospace Industry Conference and the Cangyu Space Global Capability Launch event held June 19, 2025.