Bali, Indonesia – Indonesia has once again shown its role on the international stage by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the strategic industrial sector with several African countries, namely South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Senegal.
The total value of the cooperation agreed at the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF-MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) Joint Leaders Session 2024 reached US$173.5 million. The agreement involves two Indonesia state-owned companies, namely PT Pindad (Persero) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero).
This was revealed by the Director of Africa of the Directorate General of Asia, the Pacific, and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) Dewi Justicia Meidiwaty, Monday (2/9/2024) in Nusa Dua, Bali.
In South Africa, PT Pindad has collaborated with Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) to supply strategic industrial products. This cooperation confirms South Africa’s position as the only country in Africa that has a strategic partnership with Indonesia.
Meanwhile, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) strengthened its presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the signing of an MoU for the procurement of CN235 aircraft by the DRC government. In addition, PT DI also agreed to procure N219 aircraft for the DRC Ministry of Transportation.
“This step is in line with Indonesia’s commitment to support efforts to handle conflicts in the DRC, where Indonesia has actively sent the Garuda Contingent as part of MONUSCO’s peace mission,” said Dewi.
In Senegal, PT DI continues to collaborate with Senegalese Air Force through a contract for periodic inspection of aircraft. Previously, Senegal had purchased three CN-235 aircraft from PT DI since 2011, which shows Senegal’s confidence in the quality of Indonesia’s strategic industrial products.
This cooperation reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with African countries, as well as increase the role of national strategic industries in the global market.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Joint Editor of HLF MSP & IAF II
