Indonesian ambassador to Namibia Wisnu Edi Pratignyo says trade relations between the two nations continue growing from strength to strength. 

The Asian nation, Pratignyo was quick to note, also takes pride in continuing the working relations with Namibia, as there are various plans in the pipeline to bolster this bond. 

They include enhancing cooperation through agriculture, mining, education and other sectors. 

“The trade value between Indonesia and Namibia in 2022 amounted to N$8.4 million, compared to the previous year, which was N$4.8 million – and this shows that trade relations between the two countries continue to improve,” he said during that country’s 78th-anniversary celebrations in Windhoek recently. 

He said: “In terms of investment cooperation, an Indonesian state-owned company put an interest in tin mining to explore cooperation in the mining sector”.

He added that in terms of south-south cooperation, Indonesia is taking a robust path to becoming a partner in providing support through technical cooperation. 

“To build closer business relations with Namibia, Indonesia has participated in the Namibia Tourism Expo and the Ongwediva annual trade fair 2023. On this occasion, I would like to invite the Namibian business community to participate in the 38th Trade Expo Indonesia, which will be held in October,” he stated. 

Pratignyo added that the embassy is working hand-in-hand with relevant institutions to finalise the renewal of the agreement on agriculture cooperation, maritime and marine affairs, as well as fisheries cooperation. 

He said, within the economic sphere, the cooperation between the two countries has significantly advanced. 

“Within the political realm, a memorandum of understanding between the constitutional court of Indonesia and the Supreme Court of Namibia on the field of constitutional law was signed in Bali in 2020 – and this year, Chief Justice Peter Shivute attended the first International Chief Justice forum in Jakarta.” 

In a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Jenelly Matundu, Namibia’s foremost diplomat, international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Indonesia has always been an active promoter of decolonisation, supporting Namibia’s path to independence. 

“It is Namibia’s firm belief that within the years to come, our economic diplomacy will be enhanced,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

She said the Indonesians are leaving a deep cultural, culinary and academic footprint. 

“Indonesian food is readily available in Namibia. Indonesian cooking courses and the calendars you gave us with the recipes of the most delicious Indonesian meals ensure that one or other Indonesian dish becomes part of the Namibian cuisine,” highlighted Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

On the academic front, a public lecture to commemorate the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day was organised by the Embassies of Indonesia and Malaysia, together with the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the International University of Management and Limkokwing University a few days ago. 

“Such events enrich our knowledge about your region and keep us in the loop of events in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, and I would like to commend all stakeholders on this initiative,” she said. 

Furthermore, she congratulated Indonesia on steering the ASEAN chairmanship for the 5th time. 

“There is no doubt that Indonesia will bring ASEAN nations together on global issues, strengthen regional cooperation and push for more multilateralism,” stated Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

- psiririka@nepc.com.na