The Bilateral Relationships Indonesia-Sub Saharan Africa

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past 10 years have developed rapidly. The Indonesian investors still put the poor, draught, drugs, HIV, full of civil war and corrupted country label to Africa. In fact, countries in Africa have grown rapidly economically as they have abundant natural resources. This situation gives big opportunities to Indonesian investors to invest. This is what Andradjati, Indonesian Ambassador for Senegal, said in Seminar entitled ?The Development of Bilateral Relationship between Indonesia and Sub-Saharan African countries and African Union? held at UPH, Tangerang.

Ambassador Andradjati told that Indonesian investors must be more aggressive in looking at opportunities in Sub-Saharan African countries. The other three speakers included Prof. Dr. Zainuddin Djafar (Universitas Indonesia), Prof. Aleksius Jemadu, Ph.D (Dean of UPH Faculty pf Social and Political Science), and Dr. Talib (Kadin Committee).

Prof. Dr. Zainuddin Djafar stated that Indonesia is behind Singapore and Malaysia who have expanded to Africa whereas Indonesia historically has good relationship with Africa, for instance in Asia-Africa Conference.

China and India are among the Asian countries that dare to invest in Africa. ?They have the entrepreneurship spirit,? he added. India, fror example, sent their farmers and business people to Africa.

Meanwhile, Prof. Aleksius mentioned that Indonesia?s foreign policy must support the economy. ?Indonesia?s foreign policy heavily stress on politics. No wonder, export only contributes 3 percents to GDP,? Aleksius told.

Indonesia has the opportunity to expand the bilateral relationship with Frican countries, he added. First, Indonesia?s membership in G-20, second, Indonesia as one of the economically emerging countries has the potential to improve the economy of both countries. Third, Indonesia can be a role model in overcoming ethnic conflict and separation happened in Africa, and forth, both coutries have the same need to fight for green economy mentioned in KTT Bumi.

He added that the government is not agressive in approaching the Africa. ?We need to learn the strategy and policy of China in Africa,? told Aleksius.

Several lessons we can see from China, mentioned Aleksius, are real actions and commitment done by government supported by economic power that could make Indonesia siginificantly take part in Africa. The participations from Indonesian investors see opportunities in Africa, use the market as an option to improve export and participations of Indonesian universities to develop Africa center of study.

The seminar was attended by approximately 60 participants; students, lecturers, observers, and Ministry staffs. (ros)

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