South African President: Indonesia Has Been a Steadfast Ally Since the Anti-Apartheid Struggle

President Prabowo Subianto and President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa hold a one-on-one meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/22). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto and President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Wednesday (10/22), held a bilateral working luncheon with their respective delegations at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

During the warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation and strengthening the role of countries in the Global South.

In his remarks, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for the long-standing historical ties between Indonesia and South Africa and recalled Indonesia’s pivotal role in supporting the South African people’s struggle against apartheid, inspired by the 1955 Asia–Africa Conference in Bandung.

“Over the years, the South African people have found a steadfast ally in Indonesia, which has consistently supported our struggle against apartheid. We will always remain grateful for the support and solidarity of the Indonesian people,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa also underscored the significant potential for economic cooperation through the BRICS forum as a platform to advance more inclusive global reforms.

The President of South Africa welcomed Indonesia’s active engagement in building economic partnerships with BRICS member states and expressed hope that such collaboration would serve as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral economic relations.

“The BRICS economic partnership offers significant potential to support development and transformation in our country, and we encourage Indonesia to deepen its engagement across all BRICS structures, particularly within the BRICS economic cooperation framework,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also underscored that Indonesia–South Africa cooperation is rooted in a spirit of solidarity and a shared commitment to addressing social challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

He further encouraged increased participation of communities who have been marginalized from economic activities, in order to give them more opportunities to play a more substantial role in development.

“And by participation, I mean a significant way in which they can get involved,” he said.

On that occasion, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s active role in various international forums, including the G20, which South Africa is chairing this year.

The President of South Africa also welcomed President Prabowo’s planned participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month, describing it as a crucial moment to strengthen the collective voice and position of countries in the Global South on the world stage.

“We are very pleased that Your Excellency will participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later this month. Indonesia’s presence at the Summit is both important and significant, as it elevates the status of the G20, particularly when key countries in the Global South, such as Indonesia and South Africa, are actively engaged in such forums.” President Ramaphosa remarked. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/TM)