In early September, Bali hosted the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, marking a significant moment in Indonesia's efforts to strengthen its economic ties with African nations after a six-year hiatusThis event is rooted in the aspiration to revitalize international cooperation, particularly between developing nationsWith the theme “Bolstering the spirit of Bandung to advance Africa's Agenda 2063 in alignment with ‘Golden Indonesia Vision 2045,’” the Forum put a spotlight on four critical areas for collaboration: economic transformation, energy and mineral resources, food security, and health cooperation.

The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, took center stage in articulating the importance of reviving global solidarity and reinforcing South-South and North-South cooperationHe emphasized the need for collective action to tackle global challenges, highlighting the economic deceleration, high unemployment, rampant inflation, and persistent geopolitical tensions that have plagued the world

Notably, his call for unity underscored concerns that multilateralism is increasingly being sidelined, further isolating developing countries in the processGiven these dynamics, he made a strong case for aligning the Sustainable Development Goals with the developmental priorities outlined in Africa’s Agenda 2063.

In his address, Joko Widodo reiterated Indonesia’s determination to champion the interests of the "Global South," advocating for equality, justice, and unity—all while expediting the achievement of sustainable development goalsThis commitment dates back to the 1955 Bandung Conference, which laid the groundwork for many developing countries' cooperative endeavorsThe Indonesian President stressed that collaboration with Africa, a pivotal player in the global development narrative, remains crucial.

The potential for Indonesia-Africa cooperation is immense, particularly in the four prioritized domains discussed at the forum

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Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Pahala Mansury, elaborated on the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in the energy sectorCurrently, Indonesia imports a daily volume of 500,000 to 600,000 barrels of oil, whereas Africa possesses around 12% of the world’s oil reservesFurthermore, as Indonesia aims to build an electric vehicle ecosystem, the nation’s thirst for key minerals such as nickel, copper, lithium, cobalt, and graphite becomes critical—natural resources that Africa is endowed with.

On the topic of food security, there is a pressing need for collaboration, given that nearly 1.7 billion people reside in the combined populations of Indonesia and AfricaBoth regions must enhance their food production capacities to meet growing demandsFurthermore, in the realm of healthcare, Indonesia’s contributions have already made a significant impact; it has produced approximately 1 billion vaccine doses for African nations, which underscores the importance of health cooperation in enhancing human capital for both regions.

According to Indonesia’s Minister of Investment, Bahlil Lahadalia, electric vehicle battery development emerges as a prime sector for potential collaboration

The vast natural resources of both regions complement each other wellIndonesia is known for having the largest nickel reserves globally, a crucial component in electric vehicle battery manufacturingMeanwhile, Zimbabwe claims the largest lithium reserves in Africa, while Morocco has vast phosphate resources—each significant for battery productionAdditionally, the two regions also have mutual prospects in maritime economies and palm oil production, showcasing the diversity of possible alliances.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister of National Development Planning, Bogie Widiyaatmoko, outlined that outcomes from the high-level Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Forum planned for 2024 will be encapsulated in policy recommendations aimed at promoting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Participants of the forum agreed to forge new commitments to establish a cooperative framework that fosters effective knowledge sharing and resource mobilization among governments, the private sector, and civil society

In this regard, Indonesia’s plans to collaborate with global partners to develop innovative financing solutions for "Global South" countries is particularly noteworthy, especially in addressing barriers such as accessibility and requirements imposed by conventional financial markets.

Besides, the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Investment reported exciting developments focusing on geothermal energyIndonesia’s state oil company has entered into partnerships with Kenya’s geothermal development firm and Africa Geothermal International to expand geothermal projects in Kenya, with expectations set for completion by late 2024 and early 2025. The capacity of the world-class geothermal power plant SUSWA is planned for 500 MW with its first unit slated for commercial operation by 2027, representing a groundbreaking endeavor in energy collaboration and sustainability.

The forum concluded with a series of positive outcomes, having forged numerous cooperative agreements across sectors such as health, energy, food security, defense industry, and infrastructure development

Data from Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated agreements totaling $2.95 billion were signed during the forum—an astonishing six-fold increase in collaboration compared to the inaugural forum held in 2018. Importantly, discussions for additional agreements continued post-forum, with Indonesia also agreeing to work with South Africa to craft a Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2024 to 2029. This initiative aims to strengthen business relations and bolster ties with the East African Community, encompassing medical supplies, food production, textiles, and garment products.

As Indonesia and African nations chart a shared path for collaboration, it is evident that the Indonesia-Africa Forum has served not just as a platform for dialogue but as a commitment to building a partnership that promises an optimistic future for both sidesThe spirit of Bandung transcends borders, emphasizing that together, developing nations can rise to meet unprecedented global challenges, creating a brighter, more equitable world.