February 8, 2025 – China’s Tianchen Company and Indonesia’s Pupuk Kaltim Ink Landmark Soda Ash Project Contract
In a significant move that marks a new chapter in Sino-Indonesian chemical cooperation, China National Chemical Engineering’s Tianchen Company and Indonesia’s Pupuk Kaltim have successfully signed a turnkey contract for a soda ash project. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Chairman of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi, and several directors, as well as the Chairman of Pupuk Kaltim, Budi Susilo.
Jiao Zaiyue, Chairman and Party Secretary of Tianchen Company, delivered a speech via video link, expressing his gratitude for the trust and support of the client. Joining him online were Vice Presidents Ji Li, Zhao Minwei, and Lu Ling. Additionally, Surianto, Chairman of Indonesian ETI Company, a member of the consortium, was also present at the ceremony.
According to industry sources, Jiao emphasized that this project not only represents Indonesia’s first soda ash venture but also marks the debut of China’s Hou’s Soda Ash Process (combined soda process) in Indonesia, making it a milestone achievement. Tianchen, adhering to its corporate mission of “Creating a Better Life with Engineering Wisdom,” pledged to ensure safety, quality, and timely completion, setting a new benchmark for chemical cooperation between China and Indonesia.
Speaking on behalf of the client, Rahmad Pribadi and Budi Susilo highlighted that the soda ash project is a historic moment for Indonesia’s chemical industry. It aims to change the country’s reliance on imported soda ash, fostering independence in the sector and aligning with Indonesia’s strategic plans, such as boosting compound fertilizer production to support food self-sufficiency and utilizing carbon dioxide as a raw material to advance green economic goals and carbon reduction.
As a national key project in Indonesia, this venture is poised to accelerate the development of downstream soda ash industries and serves as a model for the international application of China’s Hou’s Soda Ash Process. Tianchen, leveraging its technical expertise in the soda ash field, is set to create a new industry standard on the cooperation platform of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Indonesia. Representatives from Tianchen’s International Business Department, Project Management Department, General Management Department, Indonesian Branch, and Indonesian Soda Ash Project Department also attended the signing ceremony.