Indonesian Foreign Ministry Holds Friendly Match to Commemorate Africa Day 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the African Ambassadors' Gathering and a diplomatic corps friendly football match to commemorate Africa Day 2026 at Madya Stadium, the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, Jakarta, on Friday. The event was attended by ambassadors of African countries accredited to Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s relations with African nations.

Africa Day is commemorated every May 25 to mark the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa in 1963, when newly independent African nations united to promote decolonization, dignity, and shared progress. For Indonesia, Africa Day also symbolizes the friendship that has existed since the era of independence struggles and continues to this day.

Director General for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said football was chosen as the medium of celebration because of its ability to unite people across countries and cultures.

“Football unites us beyond the boundaries of nations, race, language, and politics; football reminds us that friendship and humanity are always stronger than division,” Santo said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, Indonesia and Africa have long-standing ties in football through the presence of several African players who previously played in Indonesia. Among the names mentioned were Cameroonian football legend Roger Milla, former Ghanaian player Michael Essien, as well as Pierre Njanka and Redouane Barkaoui, who are well known among Indonesian football fans.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the event reflected Indonesia’s commitment to deepening engagement with Africa, not only through diplomatic and economic cooperation, but also through sports and people-to-people relations.

Indonesia views Africa as a strategic partner and close friend within the Global South, sharing a common history of struggle and a spirit of solidarity.