BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, September 18, 2023 – The Sofitel hotel in Algiers played host to a grand reception on Thursday, September 14th, 2023, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Algeria to celebrate the 78th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day. The event was attended by distinguished guests, high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Basma Azouar, Vice-President of the Algeria-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Association, Mahdi Meftahi, and President of Alnaft, Mourad Beldjehem, diplomats, Ambassadors accredited to Algeria, journalists, and the vibrant Indonesian community residing in Algeria.
Indonesian Ambassador to Algeria, Mr. Chalief Akbar Tjandraningrat, warmly welcomed the attendees and shared his pride in the enduring friendship between the two nations. In his speech, Ambassador Tjandraningrat highlighted the long-standing historical ties between Indonesia and Algeria, dating back to the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955, where Indonesia staunchly supported Algeria’ struggle for independence. Indonesia established its Embassy in Algiers in 1963, soon after Algeria gained its independence in 1962, marking a testament to the deep-rooted connection.
“This year,” the Ambassador noted, “Indonesia and Algeria also commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, a significant milestone in our shared history. It is my fervent hope that our brotherhood and friendship will continue to flourish, benefiting both our countries and peoples and strengthening our resilience in the face of global challenges.”
The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Algeria have blossomed over the years, extending across various fields such as politics, trade and investment, education, and second-track diplomacy. In particular, the establishment of the Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association last year has solidified cooperation between the two nations in international forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC). A strong Indonesian delegation also participated in the 17th Meeting of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States held in Algiers in January 2023.
Ambassador Tjandraningrat underscored the deepening of legal cooperation through the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Presidents of the Indonesian and Algerian Constitutional Courts, further enhancing capacity-building and sharing best practices.
The military cooperation between Indonesia and Algeria was exemplified by the visit of the Indonesian Navy’s training sailing ship, Bima Suci, to Algiers’ port in May 2023, symbolizing Indonesia’s commitment to fostering goodwill between the two nations. At the multilateral level, both countries continue to support common values and work towards improving the international system.
The Ambassador also celebrated the economic ties between Indonesia and Algeria, with bilateral trade volume surpassing 1 billion US dollars in 2022. He expressed confidence in further expanding economic cooperation, highlighting the forthcoming establishment of the Indonesia-Algeria Business Council.
In the energy sector, Algeria and Indonesia’s National Oil Companies, Sonatrach and Pertamina, extended their cooperation agreement for hydrocarbon exploration, promising more significant collaboration in the future. Pertamina is poised to increase its investment in Algeria, signaling a strengthened partnership.
Ambassador Tjandraningrat acknowledged the role of people-to-people contact in nurturing relations between the two nations. He highlighted the growing number of visitors from Indonesia to Algeria and vice versa, coupled with increased official visits. The Ambassador also noted the annual scholarships offered by the Indonesian government to eligible Algerian students wishing to study in Indonesia, emphasizing the cultural exchange and the popularity of Indonesian martial arts, pencak silat, among Algerian youth.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tjandraningrat expressed gratitude to all parties and committee members who made the event possible. He concluded by celebrating the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia and the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Indonesia, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity on both nations.
The evening’s festivities continued with captivating cultural performances, featuring traditional Indonesian songs and a tantalizing array of Indonesian culinary delights, enriching the shared experience between Indonesia and Algeria.
Algeria and Indonesia: A Historical and Enduring Friendship
Algeria and Indonesia, two nations separated by geography but bound together by history, have cultivated a profound and enduring friendship over the years. Their diplomatic ties date back to 1963, with both nations consistently strengthening their relationship ever since. Sharing common values of religious solidarity and a shared commitment to anti-colonialism, Algeria and Indonesia have not only fostered bilateral cooperation but also collaborated on the international stage through their membership in different organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Historical Bonds: A Testament to Solidarity
Indonesia’s early recognition of Algeria, even before its independence, remains a significant testament to their deep-rooted solidarity. This support was exemplified by Indonesia’s invitation to Algeria to attend the historic Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955. As Algeria celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence in 2013, the then-Algerian ambassador to Indonesia, Abdelkrim Belarbi, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Indonesia’s unwavering support during their struggle for independence.
In the annals of history, Indonesia’s unwavering support for Algeria’s independence was demonstrated through the establishment of the North African Independence Struggle Support Committee in 1951, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Natsir. The 1955 Bandung Afro-Asian Conference, organized by Indonesia, championed the cause of independence and decolonization in Asian and African countries. Notably, Algeria, still under colonial rule at the time, was invited to attend this pivotal conference.
A Robust Diplomatic Relationship
Beyond their historical ties, Indonesia and Algeria have maintained a robust diplomatic relationship characterized by frequent high-level exchanges and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms. Algeria has actively supported Indonesia’s bid for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and UNESCO, given their shared non-alignment principles and longstanding ties.
Shared Vision on Global Issues
Both nations align on critical global issues, including their views on Libya, Palestine, and the Western Sahara, which further solidify their diplomatic synergy.
Economic Collaboration: A Growing Partnership
Economically, Algeria and Indonesia have made significant commitments to boost bilateral trade and investment. Algeria ranks among Indonesia’s top export destinations in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching $555.95 million by 2015. Algeria primarily exports crude oil to Indonesia, while Indonesia exports a diverse range of products, including wood, sugar, dried fish, textile fiber, coffee, and palm oil.
Indonesia’ state oil company, Pertamina, has been actively involved in Algeria since 2012 through its partnership with Sonatrach, Algeria’s national oil company. This collaboration has extended to various oil operations, notably in the Menzel Ledjmet Nord (MNL), El Merk (Illizi), and Ourhoud (Ouargla) fields.
Diversification Beyond Energy
Beyond the energy sector, Indonesia’s Indorama Corporation entered into agreements with Algeria to construct a phosphate mine and two processing factories, totaling an estimated $4.5 billion investment. This collaboration also includes a joint venture with Algeria’s Manal to develop a new phosphate mine and establish a phosphate processing plant in Souk Ahras.
Moreover, Indonesia’s construction company, Wijaya Karya (Wika), has secured contracts in Algeria for the construction of up to 5,000 subsidized houses, showcasing Indonesia’s contribution to Algeria’s infrastructure development.
Religious and Cultural Exchange
Algeria and Indonesia have also prioritized fostering religious cooperation to combat radicalism and promote moderate Islamic teachings. Initiatives include cleric exchanges and the dissemination of moderate Islamic values. This cultural exchange extends to education, with Indonesian students previously attending Islamic boarding schools in Algeria.
Cultural Exchange and Academic Cooperation
Cultural ties between the two nations have been further strengthened through agreements on the exchange of Non-Aligned Movement archives and the Soekarno Festival in Algeria. In 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for cooperation in higher education and scientific research, promoting scholarships, lecturer exchanges, joint research projects, and publications. In addition, Indonesian Cultural Weeks are held annually.
Tourism and People-to-People Connections
Algerian tourists have increasingly explored Indonesia, particularly the enchanting island of Bali, for leisure and business. This mutual cultural exchange enriches the bonds between the two nations.
Parliamentary Friendship Group
In March 2022, the Algeria-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Group was established as an institutional framework to facilitate joint initiatives between parliamentarians, further enhancing bilateral relations.
Monument of Soekarno: A Symbol of Friendship
A significant symbol of Algeria and Indonesia’s enduring friendship is the Soekarno Monument, erected in the commune of Ben Aknoun (Algiers) in July 2020. Designed by Dr. Ridwan Kamil, Governor of the Province of West Java, and crafted by sculptor Mrs. Dolorosa Sinaga, the monument signifies Indonesia’s appreciation for Algeria’s commitment to world peace and independence. Its crescent shape with five star pillars reflects the Algerian flag’s crescent and stars, emphasizing shared principles of independence and equality.
President Sukarno’s profound inspiration for Algeria’s independence, conveyed through the United Nations, underscores the monument’ significance as a catalyst for political, economic, and cultural dialogue. This monument serves as a tangible reminder of the unwavering friendship between two nations that have defied geographical distance to build a solid foundation of trust, cooperation, and shared interests on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.
A Flourishing Partnership
Algeria and Indonesia’s relationship continues to flourish, grounded in a shared history of solidarity, bolstered by economic collaboration, and enriched by cultural and educational exchanges. As these two nations look to the future, their enduring partnership serves as a testament to the power of diplomacy, cooperation, and the enduring bonds of friendship across borders.
