Badung, InfoPublik - During their meeting with President Joko Widodo at the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF in Bali, African nations expressed their keen interest in enhancing their capacity in the palm oil industry.

It was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, in press conference at Bali Nusa Dua Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Badung, Bali, Monday (2/9/2024). She revealed that several African countries have expressed their interest in joining the Committee of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) or the Association of Palm Oil Producing Countries.

"Several countries from the African region have expressed a keen interest in joining the CPOPC as part of their efforts to enhance the palm oil industry in their respective nations," Retno said.

Previously, Indonesia and Zanzibar have solidified their cooperation in the blue economy sector through the Zanzibar-Indonesia Investment Forum. Held concurrently with the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, the forum highlighted the theme “Navigating New Horizons in Blue Economy Cooperation,” underscoring the significance of collaborative efforts in the blue economy between the two nations.

During the forum’s opening on Sunday, September 1, 2024, Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Mansyuri highlighted the immense potential of Indonesia and the African region, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately US$4.4 trillion and abundant natural resources.

"Given this immense potential, we must strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors, particularly the blue economy, which is highly relevant for archipelagic nations like Indonesia and Zanzibar," said Pahala.

Pahala further emphasized that sectors such as tourism and hospitality, capture fisheries and aquaculture, port infrastructure development, seaweed processing, and oil and gas offer significant potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Zanzibar.

The 2024 HLF MSP focused on "Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Towards a Transformative Change," while the 2nd IAF adopted the theme "Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063." The forum featured a prominent Joint Leaders Session between Indonesia and Africa, as well as a High-Level Plenary Session on the second day.

The second IAF, held in 2024, is a continuation of the resounding success of the inaugural IAF, which took place in 2018. This forum aims to implement the modalities of the Bandung Spirit, as envisioned by the nation's founding fathers, with a focus on economic benefits and social welfare for the people of Indonesia and Africa through mutually beneficial development cooperation.

The 2nd IAF will enhance cooperation in four key areas: ensuring food and energy security, bolstering health systems, and securing mineral resources.