Indonesia, South Africa Have Long-Standing Historical Ties

President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and President Prabowo Subianto deliver a joint press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/22). (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome from President Prabowo Subianto, during their joint press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/22). President Ramaphosa saw this state visit as an important milestone that strengthens relations between the two countries in the spirit of global south solidarity.

“It is a great honor for me to make this state visit to the beautiful country of Indonesia,” said President Ramaphosa.

In his remarks, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the relationship between Indonesia and South Africa has long and deep historical roots. He reminded that the connection between the two nations began more than three centuries ago when Indonesians were brought to South Africa by Dutch colonizers.

“The relationship between South Africa and Indonesia is deeply rooted in our history. History that spans nearly 350 years, beginning in the 17th century when Indonesians were first brought to South Africa by the Dutch colonists. These early ties laid the foundation for the long-standing relationship between our two nations,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa also expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s role in the historic Afro-Asian solidarity that emerged in Bandung in 1955. The President was of the opinion that the Asian-African Conference was a symbol of the struggle of nations for independence and global equality. “I would like to congratulate Indonesia on the 70th anniversary of the historic Asian-African Conference held in Bandung in 1955, where the people of South Africa were represented by two great leaders of our country, Moses Kotane and Moulvi Cachalia,” added President Ramaphosa.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa welcomed Indonesia’s entry into the BRICS that would open opportunities for strategic cooperation in various sectors. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the shared commitment to expand trade and deepen political and economic ties.

“We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. We spoke about the importance of building more resilient and diversified economies between our two nations for the benefit of our peoples, as we face similar geopolitical challenges,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment, alongside Indonesia, to strengthening the multilateral system and promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts. “We exchanged views on efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and to achieve a just and lasting peace that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination, which must lead to a two-state solution, where an Israel state living side by side with a Palestinian state,” added President Ramaphosa.

Concluding his statement, President Ramaphosa invited President Prabowo to attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg next month. “We look forward to hosting President Subianto at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month under the theme of sustainability, equality, and solidarity,” said President Ramaphosa. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MMB)