President Ramaphosa Praises Indonesia’s Support for Deeper BRICS, G20 Cooperation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Republic of Indonesia for its unwavering solidarity with South Africa, both during the liberation struggle and in the post-apartheid era, describing the Asian nation as a "steadfast ally" in the pursuit of freedom, equality, and global cooperation.

Delivering his opening remarks during bilateral talks in Jakarta on Wednesday, as part of his State Visit to Indonesia, President Ramaphosa reflected on the enduring historical and diplomatic bonds between the two nations.

"For all these years, the people of South Africa found a steadfast ally in Indonesia, which consistently supported the struggle against apartheid. We will forever remain grateful for the support and the solidarity of the people of Indonesia," he said.

Historic Ties Rooted in Anti-Colonial Solidarity

The President paid tribute to the Bandung Conference of 1955, hosted in Indonesia, which brought together newly independent Asian and African states as well as representatives of liberation movements from around the world, including South Africa's anti-apartheid leaders.

"The Bandung Conference of 1955 was a great inspiration and a source of encouragement to the leaders of our liberation struggle who were present there," Ramaphosa noted.

That conference laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement and marked the birth of what later became known as South-South Cooperation — an enduring principle that continues to shape relations between developing nations.

Today, South Africa and Indonesia's relationship has evolved from political solidarity to a strategic economic and multilateral partnership, grounded in shared values of non-alignment, equality, and inclusive development.

Strengthening South-South Cooperation Through BRICS+ and G20

Both countries are now influential players in the Global South, collaborating through international groupings such as BRICS+ and the Group of Twenty (G20).

President Ramaphosa underscored that these platforms present major opportunities to advance global reform, promote development financing, and enhance economic resilience in the face of shifting geopolitical and trade dynamics.

"We look forward to working closely with Indonesia and all other BRICS countries and partner countries on shared priorities such as driving much-needed global reforms," Ramaphosa said. "We also encourage the deepening of Indonesia's participation in all BRICS structures — particularly in the BRICS economic partnership — as this could catalyse growth in bilateral relations."

The President emphasized that BRICS cooperation could play a pivotal role in fostering infrastructure investment, energy transition, and technological exchange between the two nations.

Shared Role in the G20 and Global Governance

President Ramaphosa also lauded Indonesia's leadership within the G20, describing it as "a voice of the Global South" and a key partner in reshaping the global economic order.

"We appreciate Indonesia's representation and contribution to the G20. We are especially pleased that Your Excellency will participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this month," he said.

He noted that the participation of emerging economies such as South Africa and Indonesia enhances the credibility and inclusivity of the G20.

"Indonesia's presence lifts the stature of the G20, particularly when countries like ours — key nations in the Global South — participate in such fora," he added.

Expanding Trade and Investment

Accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, including Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes, President Ramaphosa highlighted trade and investment as central themes of the visit.

He described South Africa as a strategic gateway to the African continent, offering Indonesian investors access to Africa's 1.4 billion-strong market and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

"South Africa is well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Indonesian investment and trade expansion into Africa," Ramaphosa said. "Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics."

Bilateral trade between the two nations currently stands at approximately $1.3 billion annually, with key exports including coal, machinery, and chemicals from South Africa, and textiles, palm oil, and manufactured goods from Indonesia. Both sides are working to diversify trade and reduce dependency on traditional markets.

The President stressed that deepening South–South trade is vital at a time when global trade tensions and tariff impositions by major economies are reshaping global value chains.

"Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth," he said.

Advancing Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainable Development

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to expanding and institutionalising cooperation with Indonesia in sectors such as agriculture, defence, tourism, renewable energy, education, and maritime security.

"We would like to see our two countries finalise and implement existing agreements. This will elevate our relations based on mutual political trust and partnership," he said.

He called on both nations to leverage their shared values and strategic alignment to build a partnership that contributes to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

"Let us use this moment to reaffirm our shared values, strengthen our strategic alignment and build a partnership that delivers tangible benefits for our peoples," he concluded.

A Partnership Forged in History, Strengthened by Vision

The Jakarta visit represents both a commemoration of historic solidarity and a blueprint for future cooperation between South Africa and Indonesia. What began as a bond forged in the struggle for freedom has evolved into a dynamic partnership anchored in mutual respect, trade expansion, and global collaboration.

As South Africa hosts the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this month, and with both countries advocating for a fairer global economic order, the deepening of this partnership could mark a new era of South–South diplomacy and sustainable growth.