Bicaraindonesia.id, Jakarta – President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, held a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (22/10/2025). The meeting marked a new milestone in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and defense relations between the two nations.
President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for President Ramaphosa’s visit, calling South Africa “a very important leader in the world.”
“First and foremost, once again, I would like to thank President Ramaphosa and his delegations for giving us the great honor of visiting Indonesia,” said President Prabowo.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between Indonesia and South Africa, rooted in a shared struggle against colonialism and the fight for freedom.
“We admire the strength, the idealism and the courage of the struggle of the South Africans, fighting against injustice and apartheid,” he added.
Prabowo emphasized the growing economic relationship, noting significant progress in trade over the past five years. However, he called for “a more balanced trade relationship” and proposed the possibility of a preferential trade agreement or a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) to bolster cooperation amid global economic uncertainties.
In the defense sector, both leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2023. The collaboration will also extend to agriculture, energy, science, and education.
“We will send a technical delegation to discuss concrete programs in key areas where we can go forward very fast,” President Prabowo noted.
He also expressed Indonesia’s support for South Africa’s presidency of the G20, stating his intention to attend the upcoming summit in Johannesburg.
“I plan to attend and I think this also will symbolize the strength of South-South cooperation. We are confident that South Africa’s leadership will advance into a more inclusive and equitable global economic order,” he concluded.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Indonesian people.
“It is a great honor to undertake this state visit to this beautiful country of Indonesia,” he said, emphasizing that his delegation includes ministers responsible for international relations, defense, agriculture, and trade and investment.
He underscored the historical bond between the two nations that dates back nearly 350 years, when Indonesians were brought to South Africa during the Dutch colonial period.
“These early connections laid the foundation for a long-standing relationship between our two countries,” Ramaphosa stated.
Ramaphosa congratulated Indonesia on the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Asia-Africa Conference, a historic milestone symbolizing solidarity among developing nations.
“I took time to congratulate Indonesia on the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung-Asia-Africa Conference of 1955,” he said, recalling South Africa’s participation through leaders Moses Kortani and Malvi Kachali.
He also welcomed Indonesia’s recent accession to BRICS, calling it an opportunity to strengthen cooperation within the bloc.
“We affirmed the importance of expanding and broadening bilateral relations on both political and economic fronts,” he stated.
Both leaders agreed on the need to increase trade and promote inclusive economic growth through stronger business-to-business partnerships.
“One of the key goals of the business forum was to find meaningful ways for our two countries to develop pathways that will lead to the boosting of economic growth,” said Ramaphosa.
They also discussed global issues, including the conflicts in Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful resolutions and the pursuit of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“We affirmed the need to strengthen the multilateral system so as to enhance peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue,” Ramaphosa emphasized.
Concluding his statement, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation for President Prabowo to visit South Africa on a state visit.
“He has already indicated that he is willing, prepared, and able to come to South Africa. It is clear from our engagements today that we share a common future of progress and prosperity,” he said. ***
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Source: BPMI Setpres
