Indonesia invokes Bandung Spirit at UN, pledges deeper economic partnership with Africa

At the 18th plenary of the 81st UN General Assembly, Indonesia’s Permanent Representative Umar Hadi reaffirmed Jakarta’s partnership with African nations, echoing President Soekarno’s 1955 Bandung declaration on self-determination. He praised Africa’s expected 4.4% economic growth in 2025 and the resilience of 22 countries surpassing 5% growth, while acknowledging obstacles such as high borrowing costs and limited development financing.

Hadi outlined three strategic priorities: strengthening economic sovereignty by processing raw materials domestically, investing in human capital through education and agricultural training, and converting the Bandung Spirit into concrete trade, investment and capacity-building collaborations. He cited more than 60 South-South and triangular cooperation projects that have benefited around 500 Africans, and noted that the latest Indonesia-Africa Forum secured 32 agreements worth over US$3.5 billion across strategic sectors. The address underscored Indonesia’s intent to deepen South-South ties and support Africa’s Agenda 2063.