Is Indonesia destined to be a footnote in Africa’s growth story?

Despite President Prabowo’s heartfelt words and promises of partnership, analysts question Indonesia’s commitment to the continent

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Indonesia’s current president, Prabowo Subianto, and his predecessor Joko Widodo with African leaders and others at last year’s second Indonesia-Africa Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00am, 21 Apr 2025

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has expressed great admiration for Africa, describing the continent as “close to my heart” and vowing to make it a strategic partner during his tenure.

In a June 2024 opinion piece, published shortly after his election victory, Prabowo hailed Africa as a “land of opportunity” with untapped potential akin to Indonesia’s own. “We can support each other, sharing our experiences and by building synergies and partnerships, work to transform our countries,” he wrote.

But as Indonesia refrains from commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic Asia-Africa Conference this year, analysts say that Prabowo must back his words with actions if he hopes to strengthen ties with African nations.

By forgoing a major celebration “he just lost a generational branding opportunity” to position himself as a leader of the Global South, according to Allan Dharma Saputra, an independent foreign policy analyst focusing on Indonesia’s relations with Southeast Asia and Africa.

Workers use sewing machines at a textile factory in the small African kingdom of Lesotho. Photo: AFP

So far, Allan said, Prabowo’s administration had stuck to “rhetoric without building momentum”, pointing to the quiet cancellation this year of planned state visits from Angola, Congo and Tanzania without explanation.