President of South Africa Arrives in Jakarta for State Visit

President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/22) at approximately 07.40 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/22) at around 07.40 a.m. Western Indonesian Time for a state visit.

The visit was an important momentum to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Upon arrival, President Ramaphosa was welcomed by the Indonesian Minister of Trade Budi Santoso. Also present at the airport were the Ambassador of South Africa to Indonesia Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro, the Ambassador of Indonesia to South Africa Saud Purwanto Krisnawan, and the Commander of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Marshal Erwin Sugiandi.

The welcoming atmosphere was solemn and warm. The honor guard stood along the welcoming path, while the accompanying music and sounds of the gun salute enlivened the ceremony.

President Ramaphosa was seen walking past the troops and paused at the end of the line to watch a traditional cultural performance from Jakarta. Afterwards, President Ramaphosa proceeded to the hotel to continue the series of state visit activities.

Later in the afternoon, President Ramaphosa was scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto through a state welcoming ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, followed by a state dinner hosted by President Prabowo for President Ramaphosa and his delegation.

The meeting of the two state leaders is expected to strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Africa, which have been closely established for more than three decades. (BPMI) (EST/TM)