Illustration: A diorama of the founding leaders at the 1955 Asian-African Conference, on display at the Asian-African Conference Museum. (Photo: Musafir Timur, Shutterstock)
At the opening of the Asian-African Conference (AAC) on April 18, 1955, the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno, delivered a rousing speech that ignited the passion of the AAC participants. This historic moment took place at the Merdeka Building in Bandung.
The 40-minute speech, entitled 'Birth of a New Asia and a New Africa,' delivered by President Soekarno, commonly known as Bung Karno, emphasized the struggle for independence from colonialism and imperialism.
Bung Karno emphasized this point because many of the participating nations in the 1955 Asian-African Conference had recently gained independence following World War II. United by their shared experience of colonialism, they sought to foster economic, socio-political, cultural, and educational development.
“I hope it will become a reality that Asia and Africa have been reborn. Yes, more than that, a new Asia and a new Africa have been born!" Bung Karno declared, his words met with a standing ovation from all the conference participants at the Merdeka Building in Bandung on April 18, 1955.
Bung Karno emerged as the central figure and icon of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung. Nevertheless, there were several other prominent individuals who made substantial contributions to the realization of the 1955 Asian-African Conference and in fostering Indonesia's friendship with African nations.
The 1955 Asian-African Conference was the result of the collective efforts of many, including:
Ali Sastroamidjojo (Indonesia)
Ali Sastroamidjojo, Prime Minister of Indonesia from 1953–1955 and 1956–1957, played a pivotal role in making Indonesia the host of the 1955 Asian-African Conference. It was his initiative to propose Indonesia as the host country, and through his persuasive efforts, he secured the support of numerous Asian and African nations.
U Nu (Myanmar)
U Nu served as Prime Minister of Myanmar for three terms: 1948–1956, 1957–1958, and 1960–1962. He was also instrumental in initiating the 1955 Asian-African Conference and is renowned as a novelist, having published several novels.
Jawaharlal Nehru (India)
The Indian representative, who served as Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964, was a key figure in the Asian-African Conference. His contributions extended beyond initiating the conference, he was also a principal architect of the Bandung Declaration. Post-conference, he co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement and solidified his position as a prominent international statesman.
Mohammad Ali Bogra (Pakistan)
Ali Bogra was a Founding Father of Pakistan. He earned this title by leading Pakistan to independence from British-ruled India. He was also instrumental in safeguarding and promoting the political rights and interests of Muslims in both Pakistan and India. In addition to initiating the Asian-African Conference, he was actively involved in advocating for the rights of Muslims through the All-India Muslim League.
Sir John Kotelawala (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan delegate, a former soldier and politician who served as Prime Minister from 1953 to 1956. His initiative at the Colombo Conference to foster dialogue among Asian and African nations was a significant step towards the Bandung Conference. At the Asian-African Conference, John Kotelawala delivered a speech criticizing Western nations' possession of nuclear weapons. He also called on conference participants to contribute to global peace.
Indonesia-Africa Forum 2024
Continuing the momentum, the Indonesian government convened the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) from September 1–3, 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali. The forum was held under the theme "Bandung Spirit for Africa's Agenda 2063," drawing inspiration from the historic 1955 Asian-African Conference.
The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum was officially opened and inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and attended by 6 African Heads of State, including President of Liberia Joseph N. Boakai and his wife, Kartumu Yarta Boakai; President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; President of Zanzibar, Hussein Ali Mwinyi; Prime Minister of Eswatini, Russel Mmiso Dlamini; and Vice President of Zimbabwe, Kembo Champbell Dugishi Mohadi.
In addition to the African Heads of State, the event was also attended by the Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao; Indonesian Cabinet Ministers; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani; parliamentary speakers from several invited countries; as well as Indonesian and African government officials, and private sector stakeholders.