President Prabowo Subianto Welcomes Cyril Ramaphosa in Jakarta. Image credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images for Global Citizen
President Prabowo Subianto Welcomes Cyril Ramaphosa in Jakarta
Jakarta
Indonesian President, Prabawo Subianto, welcomed Ramaphosa into his country, Jakarta, for bilateral discussions which will be focussed on expanding the cooperation in trade, defense and other various strategic areas and compartments. President Ramaphosa will be travelling to Vietnam and Malaysia next for attending official meetings.
At a joint news conference, Prabawo commended the two leaders and said that they held “good discussions today concerning their bilateral relations.” He further stated that “We understand that we would like to take steps to have a perhaps preferential trade agreement or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in this period of economic, international economic uncertainties.”
Prabawo added that both sides agreed to accelerate implementation of the Defense Cooperation Agreement which was concluded during the year of 2023. Ramaphosa further added that the two sides reaffirmed the importance and imperativeness of strengthening the bilateral ties in economic and political fields through cooperation frameworks that are already in extistence.
He said: ” We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries.” He emphasized that he is looking forward to hosting Prabowo next month during the G20 summit in South Africa.
The South African leader confirmed that a discussion was had pertaining global issues which are inclusive of the situation in Gaza, emphazing the dire need of reinforcement of multilateralism and promoting as well as practicing peaceful conflict resolutions mannerisms through dialogue. Ramphosa further stated that: ” We exchanged views on efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and secure a just and lasting peace that realized the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination that should result in a two-state solution.
Ramaphosa will be due for departure from Jakarta to Vietnam for a two-day visitation, followed by a four-day trip to Malaysia starting from the 25th October 2025 until the 28th October 2025, where he will be participating as “Guest of the Chair” at the 47th Association of the Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
Cyril Ramaphosa Gives Credit Where It Is Due
Ramaphosa has acknowledged and hailed the Republic of Indonesia for its longevity and endurance in solidarity with South Africa and Indonesia’s role in being a credible ally during the struggle against apartheid.
The Southeast Asian country was the scene of the first Asia-Africa Conference called the Bandung Conference approximately 70 years ago. This particular conference was well attended by independent states and representatives of the struggle against apartheid in Southern Africa.
Ramaphosa gave a brief background on this conference and said: “The Bandung Conference of 1955 was great inspiration and a source of encouragement to the leaders of our liberation struggle who were present there. For all these years, the people of South Africa found a steadfast ally in Indonesia which consistently supported the struggle against apartheid. We will forever remain grateful for the support and the solidarity of the people of Indonesia.”
Indonesia and South Africa are part of the World’s Intergovernmental Organizations such as BRICS and group of countries. Ramaphosa further stated that he looks forward to working closely with Indonesia and all other BRICS countries and partner countries on shared priorities such as driving much needed global reforms.”
“The BRICS economic partnership also provides a great potential to support development and transformation in our countries, and we encourage the deepening of Indonesia’s participation in all BRICS structures – particularly in the BRICS economic partnership. This could be the catalyst for the growth of bilateral economic relations between two countries which we look forward to.” The two countries form part of the G20 Forum which South Africa currently holds Presidency for.
Ramaphosa further stated that: “We must say that Indonesia’s presence at the G20 is so key and important as it lifts that stature of the G20.Particularly when countries like your country and South Africa – key countries in the global South – participate in such.”
Trade Enhancement and Building Rapport
He described that as a “clear demonstration of our commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries” including trade. He further described South Africa as a “gateway to the Continent, well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Indonesian investment and trade expansion into Africa.”
“In the light of recent global trade tensions, including the impositions of tariffs by major economies, it is increasingly important for countries like ours to strengthen South African trade and economic cooperation.”
“Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access between South Africa and Indonesia is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics. Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth.
It has been evident that both countries have enjoyed mutual and good standing relations for decades and South Africa “remains committed to working closely with Indonesia to further expand and deepen our political, economic and sectoral cooperation.”
Ramaphosa, in conclusion, whilst addressing the public, said that it would be a pleasant sight to see when both counties finalize and implement existing agreement and this action will assist in elevating bilateral relations amongst South Africa and Indonesia which will primarily be based on political trust and partnership.
“This instrument will serve as a foundation for deepening our cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to our people. Let us share this moment to reaffirm our shared values, strengthen our strategic alignment and build a partnership that contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.”
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