Africa in Today’s World: Where is Indonesia?

On July 10th, 2024, ISAFIS was invited by the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Indonesian House of Representatives (BKSAP DPR RI, Badan Kerja Sama Antar Parlemen Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia) to hold a focus group discussion (FGD) session involving DPR RI, Indonesian Embassy for Ethiopia, and relevant scholars. BKSAP DPR RI itself was led by Mr. Fadli Zon, who was the chairman of ISAFIS from 1994-1995.

Africa is a continent of immense diversity, encompassing 54 countries each with its own distinct languages and cultures. Spanning over 30 million square kilometers, Africa is home to over 2000 languages and a population of 1.4 billion people, making it one of the most culturally rich regions on Earth. Its vast landmass, second only to Russia, hosts a range of climates from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, contributing to its diverse ecosystems and landscapes. The history of Africa has been shaped by colonial influences, notably during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers engaged in the scramble for Africa, dividing the continent and leaving lasting legacies. Today, this legacy is evident with languages, such as English in Kenya and French in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire being widely spoken alongside indigenous languages.

Despite its colonial past, Africa has made significant strides in recent decades towards integration into the global economy. Initiatives like the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, which brought together leaders from Asia and Africa to combat colonialism and foster economic ties, mark important milestones in the continent’s journey towards cooperation and development. Africa’s engagement with the world continues to evolve, with countries like Ethiopia establishing diplomatic ties with Indonesia as early as 1961, reflecting a broader trend of African nations actively seeking partnerships for mutual benefit. Today, Africa stands at the forefront of regional cooperation efforts, fostering economic growth and stability while preserving its rich cultural tapestry.

Indonesia has recognized the potential of Africa as a destination for economic cooperation, having established diplomatic relations with all 54 countries on the continent: 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa and 8 in the MENA region. Despite these diplomatic ties, Indonesia’s engagement in some regions, such as assigning only one trade attach to Egypt, underscores the need for deeper and more proactive economic diplomacy. However, Indonesian companies have shown hesitancy in expanding their operations into Africa, reflecting challenges and uncertainties in navigating unfamiliar markets. To succeed in Africa, Indonesia must identify its unique competitive advantages and strategies that can leverage its strengths within the continent’s dynamic economic landscape. Mintardjo Halim, the Chair of the African Regional Committee in the Chamber of Commerce of Indonesia explained that there might be many promising economic potentials from both Indonesia and Africa.  He also mentioned that Rwanda has invited Indonesia to take part in the EPA discussion and it may be necessary to have preferential trade agreements and free trade agreements with African countries. 

In the context of education matters, lecturer exchanges at the African level in Indonesia are very limited since there are only two Ethiopian teachers in Indonesia. Not only that, but the available scholarships for African students are still very small and limited due to many reasons such as limited quotas, limited budget, and many African students have not been familiar with Indonesia. Furthermore, the Indonesian government should solemnly increase their representatives in Indonesia for Africa. The religious tolerance that was displayed in Indonesia is also essential in Africa. The “gotong-royong” culture in Indonesia also needs to be developed in Africa. 

ISAFIS’s members were also given the chance to participate directly in this discussion, being given the opportunity to ask directly to the panelists, one such question is about how exactly can Indonesia increases its cooperation with Africa in the Military and Security sector, whether it be in the military education cooperation such as cadet exchanges and in defense industry cooperation such as importing Indonesian made weapon systems to African nations and vice versa. 

Overall, this event is one of many ways Indonesia is trying to re-establish the once strong bond between them and Africa, and how exactly does Indonesia fits into Africa’s future role in global affairs, with so many potential sectors of cooperation, Indonesia must be able to ensure their role in Africa as one that’s strategic and equal.