RRI.CO.ID, Yaoundé – Indonesian Ambassador to Cameroon, Agung Cahaya Sumirat, visited three provinces in Cameroon's northern regions of Adamawa, North, and Far North provinces, from 12 to 17 January 2026. According to the Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé, during the visit, the embassy seeks potential cooperation with the people of the Central African country.

"This visit aimed to identify and map the potential for concrete cooperation in the fields of agriculture and livestock, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and strengthening cooperation in education and socio-cultural matters," the embassy stated in a release on Monday, 19 January 2026.

In the provincial capitals of Ngaoundéré, Garoua, and Maroua, Sumirat met the governors and the lamido (king), and held business meetings with local businesspeople. The forums were used to exchange views, explore opportunities, and understand the real challenges facing local businesses, particularly in agriculture, livestock, trade, and agricultural processing.

Cameroon's northern region is one of the nation's food production centers, with rice, sorghum, and cotton as its primary commodities, and a large-scale cattle ranch. Ambassador Sumirat affirmed the significant opportunities for cooperation with Indonesia, which boasts advantages in agricultural input products and agricultural and livestock processing technology.

"Cameroon's needs in the agriculture and livestock sectors align closely with Indonesia's capacities, both upstream and downstream. This opens up opportunities for concrete and mutually beneficial partnerships," he said.

Indonesian Ambassador to Cameroon, Agung Cahaya Sumirat (center) with local people in Adamawa, Cameroon. (Photo:Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé)

The visit also included visits to several strategic production facilities and agricultural and livestock centers. This includes the Bamti Cooperative, the Baledjam Ranch, and Walde Kossam in Ngaoundéré, which are developing the local dairy value chain, the embassy stated.

In Garoua, Sumirat visited APESS, an organization active in vocational education and livestock product processing. APESS conveyed the need for support from international partners, including Indonesia, to increase the capacity of farmers and livestock breeders, as well as transfer water management technology and increase livestock productivity.

The ambassador also promotes educational opportunities through the Developing Country Partnership Scholarship (KNB) to local governments, academics, and the local community. He encouraged Cameroon to join the Trade Expo Indonesia next year in Indonesia, as a gateway for trade cooperation.

"In the socio-cultural aspect, the meeting with lamidos discussed opportunities for cooperation in the economy, Islamic education, and cross-cultural dialogue," the embassy said.

Indonesian Ambassador to Cameroon, Agung Cahaya Sumirat (left) showing potatoes with a local person in northern Cameroon. (Photo:Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé)

"This collaboration is expected to have significant potential given the pluralistic nature of northern Cameroonian society, its adherence to Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (diverse but one), and the central role of traditional authorities in social life," it continued.

The activities concluded with a meeting with Lamido Meskine to discuss opportunities for collaboration in Islamic school (madrasa) development, agriculture, and fisheries. Sumirat was later appointed as fadah (advisor) by Meskine as a token of respect and recognition of Indonesia's commitment to building strong and sustainable relationships with local communities.

"This working visit affirms Indonesia's diplomatic approach based on concrete partnerships and direct presence on the ground, by integrating economic, educational, and socio-cultural cooperation, and strengthening the foundation of Indonesia-Cameroon relations, particularly in the northern region, which has a strategic role for food security and sustainable development," the embassy said.