Indonesia's New Capital for Diplomacy in East Africa

Tanzania is one of the contributors to Indonesia's trade balance surplus. Indonesia-Tanzania exploring trade agreement negotiations. Tanzania invites Indonesian businessmen to do business there.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

KOMPAS/KRIS MADA

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) attended the opening ceremony of the Tanzanian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday (22/6/2023), accompanied by Tanzanian Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax (middle). Tanzania is one of Indonesia's important trading partners with nations on the East African coast. Tanzania appointed Macocha Tembele (right) as its first ambassador to Indonesia.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The inauguration of the Tanzanian embassy in Jakarta is an addition to Indonesia's diplomacy with East African nations. Jakarta-Dar Es Salaam want the economic and political partnership to get stronger.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi stated that the inauguration of the Tanzanian embassy will strengthen Indonesia's ties with African nations. "The decision to open the embassy in Jakarta is a clear indication of our commitment to continuously strengthen our relationship," she said during the inauguration of the Tanzanian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday (22/6/2023).

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Indonesian Foreign Minister, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, inaugurated the embassy. Tanzania appointed Macocha Tembele as its first ambassador to Indonesia. "Indonesia is one of the earliest countries to open a large embassy in Tanzania after our independence," said Tax.

The Indonesian Embassy in Dar Es Salaam was opened in 1964 and Indonesia began placing ambassadors there in 1967. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Embassy in Jakarta was only opened in 2022. Prior to this, the Indonesia-Tanzania relationship was handled by the Tanzania Embassy in Malaysia. "We want to move forward to strengthen political and economic partnerships in the future," said Tax.

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Tanzania location map

Tanzania is one of the contributors to Indonesia's trade surplus. Its value has been above 150 million US dollars per year for some time. In the future, Indonesia aims to further increase exports to Tanzania.

To facilitate it, Indonesia-Tanzania is exploring trade agreement negotiations. In the initial stage, both countries will explore trade agreements for certain commodities.

Tanzania invites Indonesian businessmen to do business there. So far, Pertamina has been involved in exploring one of the oil and gas blocks in Tanzania. PLN is invited to participate in developing renewable energy. Some Indonesian private companies are also doing business there.

Pharmacy and food production have become sectors developed by Indonesian businessmen there. "I appreciate Tanzania's support for Indonesia's investment. I believe this will have a positive contribution to our economy," Retno said.

KOMPAS/KRIS MADA

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) attended the inauguration of the Tanzanian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday (22/6/2023), alongside Tanzanian Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax. Tanzania is one of Indonesia's important trading partners with countries along the East coast of Africa.

Serious relationship

Tembele stated that the opening of the embassy in Jakarta shows Tanzania's seriousness in improving its relationship with Indonesia.

"The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Indonesia aims to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, facilitate dialogue and cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, tourism, and culture. We are dedicated to providing consular services and support to Tanzanian citizens residing in Indonesia and to Indonesian citizens wishing to visit our country," he said.

He mentioned that the inauguration of the embassy marks a historic milestone in the relationship between Indonesia and Tanzania. "The Tanzanian Embassy in Indonesia is ready to become a new bridge that connects our nations and people, and further advances our shared goals and aspirations," he said.

He invites Indonesian citizens to come to Tanzania. There, among other things, is Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Tanzania is also known for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. "Visiting Tanzania can be done all year round. There is no extreme heat or cold. Tanzania's climate is always friendly," he said. (RAZ)