Background

Indonesia always values the strategic importance of Africa. Sixty-nine years ago, in 1955, Indonesia hosted the gathering of leaders of newly independent states in the city of Bandung for the Asian-African Conference. The Bandung Conference adopted the Bandung Spirit, which underscored the importance of promoting sovereignty, equal partnership, justice, mutual interest, and cooperation. These principles become the basis for Indonesia in pursuing a robust relationship with Africa.  

Understanding the enormous potential of Africa and the significantly shared interests between the two sides, Indonesia makes continuous efforts to enhance cooperation with Africa. In that regard, Indonesia hosted the 1st Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in 2018, which was acclaimed for its success. The Forum attracted participation from 47 African countries and resulted in the signing of business deals worth USD 586.56 million. Additionally, it marked a groundbreaking moment with the establishment of Preferential Trade Agreements with Mozambique and Tunisia, the creation of Indonesia’s National Interest Account to support trade with Africa, and the launching of a direct flight between Indonesia and Africa with Ethiopian Air.

Relationships between Indonesia and Africa remain strong despite looming global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, geopolitical tensions, food insecurity, and energy crisis. Strong ties between the two sides are shown, among others, by the recent establishment of the Indonesian Embassy in Cameroon and the Embassies of Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda in Indonesia. In the midst of global challenges, Indonesia is committed to strengthening ties with Africa, holding on to the ‘Bandung Spirit’ that serves as a timeless reminder of our shared historical experiences and aspiration for self-determination, social justice, and economic development.

Indeed, core principles of the Bandung Spirit remain valid today, as inequality among countries persists and many developing countries struggle to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and climb up the development ladder. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, the world’s fourth most populous nation, and G-20 member, Indonesia stands ready to enhance cooperation with Africa and bring it to the next level. To fully tap into the potential for collaboration, the Government of Indonesia will convene the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, 1 – 3 September 2024.