BRI project showcases appeal of industry, technology in Indonesia
Children in Indonesia cultivate a sense of "protecting nature and safeguarding green" at the nursery and planting base of Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park — a landmark project of cooperation between China and Indonesia under the Belt and Road Initiative framework. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
To attract residents' attraction to industry and technology, and their love of green, the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park — a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative framework — is strengthening ties with neighboring communities by inviting residents for tours.
Standing as a landmark project of cooperation between China and Indonesia since its inception in 2013, the industrial park has harnessed the region's abundant nickel reserves to grow into a large integrated industrial cluster, attracting a total investment of some $35 billion from enterprises in China, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
On Aug 25, as part of efforts to integrate with local communities, the industrial park hosted its first Community Open Day, welcoming 45 teachers and students from Bahomakmur, Labota, and Fatufia to experience the appeal of technology and industry up close, and highlighting its commitment to openness, inclusiveness, and responsible development.
Generating nearly 100,000 direct jobs and emerging as a vital pillar in Indonesia's nickel deep-processing and new energy industrial chains, the industrial park has taken a landmark step in bolstering its green transformation.
At 8:30 am, a welcome ceremony was held at the industrial park. Wu Shuichun, a representative of the park's Sustainable Development Foundation, warmly welcomed the visiting teachers and students and thanked local residents for their long-standing understanding and support of the park's development.
A total of 45 teachers and students from Bahomakmur, Labota, and Fatufia in Indonesia visit the BRI-backed industrial park. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The group then went to the park's driving school, where the children observed heavy equipment such as wheel loaders and excavators at work. Gazing up on tiptoe at these "steel giants", their eyes were full of curiosity and awe. Under the guidance of environment, health and safety staff members, some children boarded the operator's cab in an orderly manner to experience the driver's field of view and working environment.
Next, the group visited the Nickel Industry Museum of QMB New Energy Materials Co Ltd. As a high-tech enterprise focusing on the development and recycling of nickel resources, QMB uses the museum to highlight its contributions to green development and innovation in sustainable materials. Through immersive exhibits, visitors explored nickel development and utilization, with the evolution of nickel materials vividly reflecting advances in human technology. Interactive displays helped the children grasp nickel's role as a recyclable material in driving green development.
At the park's nursery and planting base, the air was filled with the scent of soil and greenery, and the children examined local plant species up close and learned care tips under the guidance of nursery staff. Taking notes and asking questions enthusiastically, each participant adopted a favorite seedling.
At the testing center of PT Tsingjian Technology Research Indonesia, lab-coated analysts turned into "science teachers", leading the children into the wonderland of chemistry — when baking soda, dish soap, and white vinegar met, a "volcano" of bubbles erupted in a cup; solutions changed color, and balloons inflated on their own. Each fun experiment drew delighted gasps.
The last stop was the North District employee cafeteria, where the children became "junior bakers". Under the guidance of pastry chefs, they learned piping techniques and carefully created their own desserts — cream and fruit turned into little works of childhood art at their fingertips.
Children from Bahomakmur, Labota, and Fatufia in Indonesia learn piping techniques and create their own desserts at the North District employee cafeteria of BRI-backed industrial park. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Beaming as they held up their creations, Brilian from Bahomakmur Elementary School said happily, "I'm taking mine home to share with my younger brother!"
Chen Zhiwei, a representative of PT Huaxin Nickel Industry, remarked: "Today's activity made me deeply feel the close link between industrial development and community co-building. Seeing the children's recognition of the park's work is truly gratifying."
Editor：Lotus