Indonesia and South Africa have committed to strengthening their economic partnership, with both nations agreeing to pursue closer collaboration across a range of strategic sectors. The pledge came as President Prabowo Subianto hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for official talks in Jakarta on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025 culminating in a joint press statement outlining their shared priorities.
President Prabowo said Indonesia was eager to enhance bilateral relations in key areas such as trade, agriculture, energy, and education, describing the partnership as vital amid a challenging global economic environment. He added that Jakarta was considering steps towards either a preferential trade agreement or a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with South Africa to bolster trade and investment flows. “We wish to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit,” Prabowo stated. “Our governments will also explore ways to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, including the potential introduction of mutual visa waivers to encourage business and tourism links.”
President Ramaphosa, who arrived in Indonesia as part of his first official state visit to Southeast Asia, said he was accompanied by a large business delegation intent on deepening commercial ties. “This state visit was preceded by a business forum which provided a platform for South African companies to engage with their Indonesian counterparts,” he said. “Together, we are building the foundations of a powerful commercial partnership between our two countries.” The leaders affirmed their commitment to fostering resilient and diversified economies, noting the need for inclusive growth and collaboration through multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the G20, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Ramaphosa welcomed Indonesia’s accession to BRICS and extended an invitation to President Prabowo to attend the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
Talks between the two presidents also touched on global peace and security issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Ramaphosa’s delegation included senior ministers responsible for international relations, defence, trade, and agriculture — a reflection of the strategic weight both nations place on the partnership. The visit followed the South Africa–Indonesia Business Forum, where private sector leaders identified new areas of collaboration in trade and investment.
The relationship between Indonesia and South Africa is underpinned by deep historical ties dating back to the 17th century, when people of Indonesian descent were brought to the Cape during the Dutch colonial period. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1994 and have since grown steadily, particularly in the fields of economic and cultural cooperation. Ramaphosa’s visit to Indonesia forms part of a broader three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. Following his engagements in Jakarta, he is scheduled to travel to Vietnam on Thursday, before concluding the trip in Malaysia from 25–28 October, where he will participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit as a guest of the chair.
