RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Dean of African Ambassadors and Ambassador of Tanzania to Indonesia, Macocha Moshe Tembele, said that Africa and Indonesia have significant opportunities to strengthen their strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics and increasing fragmentation of multilateralism. He made the remarks during a joint statement at the Africa Day celebration in Jakarta on Friday night, May 22, 2026.

“We see Africa and Indonesia as natural strategic partners,” Tembele said.

Tembele noted that Indonesia holds an important position in the Indo-Pacific region and the Global South, not only as Southeast Asia’s largest economy, but also as a key actor in the emerging multipolar world order. According to him, Indonesia’s experience in economic development through industrial downstreaming and local content policies enables the country to understand the aspirations of African nations.

“Indonesia, likewise, occupies a pivotal position in the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, not only as Southeast Asia’s largest economy, but also as an important actor within the emerging multipolar structures. In that context, we see Africa and Indonesia as natural strategic partners,” Tembele said.

“The economic potential between Africa and Indonesia remains far below its actual capacity,” he added.

He stated that trade volume between the two sides has continued to increase over the past decade, but still reflects only a small fraction of the potential that could be further developed.

In his speech, Tembele also highlighted the historical ties between Africa and Indonesia dating back to the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung.

Tembele expressed appreciation to the Indonesian government and people for their friendship and commitment toward African nations.

“From Bandung in 1955 to Jakarta in 2026, the message remains crystal clear. Africa and Indonesia are united not only by history, but also by a shared future,” Tembele said.