BALI – In order to ensure the success of the Indonesian Africa Forum (IAF) which will be held in early September 2024 in Bali, various ministries and agencies in Indonesia are demonstrating their commitment to collaborate to the fullest. This forum is seen as a strategic moment to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Indonesia and countries in Africa.
The Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Kadir Jailani, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken various preparatory steps, including intensifying communication with partner countries in Africa.
“We have engaged in proactive diplomacy with African countries to ensure their active participation in this forum.” “Our focus is to strengthen cooperation in the fields of trade and investment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, through the Director General of National Export Development, Didi Sumedi, revealed that they are currently preparing an exhibition of Indonesia’s leading products to be showcased at the forum.
“The IAF is a golden opportunity to promote Indonesian products in the African market. We are striving to ensure that our superior products can be better recognized and accepted in Africa,” he said.
The Ministry of Industry is also not lagging behind in this effort. The Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, stated that her team is preparing industrial collaborations that can be presented at the forum.
“We hope to strengthen the industrial network between Indonesia and Africa, particularly in strategic sectors such as the creative industry and technology,” Reni explained.
The synergy between these ministries and agencies is expected to ensure the success of the Indonesian Africa Forum, while also paving the way for stronger strategic cooperation between Indonesia and African countries in the future.
With close cooperation among these ministries and agencies, Indonesia hopes to strengthen its position as a reliable strategic partner for African countries. The Indonesian Africa Forum is expected to not only serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and business opportunities but also as an important milestone in fostering closer and more sustainable bilateral relations in the future. []