The bilateral relations between Namibia and Indonesia have experienced significant growth and transformation over the past few years. The diplomatic relationship between Namibia and Indonesia was formally established shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990. Since then, both countries have engaged in various cooperative ventures. Trade between the two countries has been on a steady rise, particularly over the past five years. In 2023, the total trade volume between the two countries reached US$10.6 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This growth highlights the potential and opportunities for further economic engagement.
TRADE RELATIONS
Both nations recognise the need to overcome existing impediments to elevate their bilateral trade relations. His Excellency Wisnu Edi Pratignyo, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia, says Namibia holds a pivotal position as an important and promising economic partner for Indonesia on the African continent. “Despite the challenges, we have managed to maintain a commendable level of economic engagement. However, it is imperative that we prioritise overcoming any existing impediments to further elevate our bilateral trade relations,” says Pratignyo.
He further emphasises that economic co-operation between the two nations remains a focal point in discussions among Indonesian high-ranking officials. “This is in line with Indonesia’s economic diplomacy towards Africa, which is to transform the established political and historical relations into a robust economic cooperation for mutual benefits,” according to Pratignyo.
VISITING INDONESIA
Namibia and Indonesia entered into an agreement in September 2022, allowing Namibian citizens a maximum stay of 60 days in Indonesia when applying for a visitor’s visa at the Embassy in Windhoek. Between 1 January 2022 and 20 May 2024, a total of 303 Namibians have visited various cities in the Asian nation. When visiting Indonesia, keep the following in mind:
DO’S:
Greet with a smile
Use your right hand
Dress modestly
Try local cuisine
Respect local customs and the environment
Learn basic phrases in Indonesian
DON’TS:
Don’t use your left hand
Don’t publicly display affection
Don’t point with your feet
Don’t raise your voice
Don’t touch people’s heads
Don’t disrespect religious sites
Don’t use harsh language
FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS
Several forums and events are planned to further strengthen Namibia-Indonesia relations, with the second Indonesia-Africa Forum taking place in Bali, Indonesia, from 3 to 4 September 2024. This forum seeks to translate friendly political ties into tangible economic collaboration and serves as a platform to discuss and launch new joint initiatives.
Pratignyo adds: “The forum is motivated by Indonesia’s great desire to transform close and cordial political relations between Indonesia and Africa into concrete economic cooperation and to enhance technical collaboration among developing countries.”
Another significant event on the Indonesian calendar is the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), scheduled from 9 to 12 October 2024 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City, South Tangerang, Indonesia. This event will showcase trade opportunities and foster deeper economic ties between the two countries. This year’s 39th edition of the TEI will be held under the theme “Building strong connections with the best of Indonesia”.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
