Illustration: The Gedung Merdeka in Bandung witnessed the history of the Asian-African Conference which became an important milestone in strengthening solidarity and cooperation between Asian and African countries (Source: Pambudi Yoga Perdana, Shutterstock)
At the Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 held in Bali, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia stated that to achieve more equitable and inclusive development for developing countries, new strategies and tactical steps focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are needed.
One of the points of this strategy is to enhance South-South and North-South cooperations to address global challenges together. With the same spirit, Indonesia will host the Platinum Jubilee of the Asian African Conference next year, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Asian African Conference.
A Foundation of Cooperation
The relationship and cooperation between Indonesia and African nations is not a recent development. Both regions share a long history marked by a joint struggle against colonialism and imperialism. This historical bond serves as a strong foundation for the increasingly close cooperation in various fields.
Cooperation is the keyword. Consequently, cooperation between Indonesia and African nations has been established for a long time. The Asian-African Conference 1955 marked a significant milestone in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Asian and African nations. Since then, relations between the two regions have continued to grow, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and culture.
The Asia Africa Conference 1955 in Bandung was a historic moment that united the nations of Asia and Africa. This conference laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement, a political movement aimed at preserving world peace and avoiding involvement in conflicts between the Western and Eastern blocs.
Indonesia-Africa Partnership Forums
Half a century later, in 2005, the Asia-Africa Summit was convened in Jakarta and Bandung. The Summit yielded a landmark agreement, the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP). This initiative was conceived to forge a new strategic alliance between Asia and Africa, underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity.
The NAASP holds immense significance for both continents. Through unity, Asia and Africa have collectively exerted greater influence on the global stage. Moreover, the NAASP provides a comprehensive framework that facilitates collaboration between the two continents across a broad spectrum of economic and social endeavors.
To further strengthen relations with African nations, Indonesia initiated the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF). The IAF serves as a high-level platform designed to enhance cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
IAF 2018: The inaugural Indonesia-Africa Forum was convened in Jakarta in 2018. This forum provided a platform for both sides to deliberate on strategic issues such as sustainable development, connectivity, and women's empowerment.
IAF 2024: The second Indonesia-Africa Forum is held in Bali in 2024. This forum marked a pivotal moment for strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in addressing global challenges, As well as, defending the interests of the global south and fighting for the equality of developing countries.
IAF 2024: A Strategic Pathway Towards Shared Goals
The Agenda 2063 is a strategic roadmap designed by the African Union to transform the continent into a prosperous, sovereign, and globally competitive region.
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has asserted that Agenda 2063 serves as a cornerstone for maximizing Africa's potential by fostering intra-African trade and creating an integrated market.
"Agenda 2063 is the key to transforming Africa into a global economic powerhouse by 2063," stated Wamkele.
Through the synergy between 2045 Golden Indonesia Vision and Africa's Agenda 2063, the 2nd IAF serves as a platform for Indonesia and African nations to mutually reinforce each other and make a positive global impact.
"As the largest economy in Southeast Asia and with Africa being a continent of immense economic potential, this collaboration will not only benefit the people of Indonesia and Africa but will also serve as a catalyst for broader global change," emphasized Wamkele.