ASIATODAY.ID, JOHANNESBURG — Indonesia has strengthened its strategic partnership with South Africa through the official launch of the Indonesia–South Africa High-Level Business Council (ISA–HLBC) in Johannesburg on Friday, November 21, 2025.
The initiative was introduced as part of the Indonesia–Africa CEO Forum 2025, attended by Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
The establishment of ISA–HLBC marks a concrete step in advancing Indonesia’s economic diplomacy and expanding business cooperation across the African continent.
Minister Airlangga emphasized that stronger Indonesia–South Africa collaboration is increasingly important amid a global landscape marked by uncertainty and shifting economic dynamics.
Strengthening Strategic Ties Amid Global Economic Challenges
Minister Airlangga highlighted Indonesia’s commitment, as an upper-middle-income country, to promoting multilateralism and reinforcing the legitimacy of the G20 as a key platform for navigating global challenges. He also expressed appreciation for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, noting its role in sustaining constructive dialogue in the face of rising unilateral policies worldwide.
“The establishment of the Indonesia–South Africa High-Level Business Council (ISA–HLBC) is a concrete move to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries amid increasingly complex global dynamics,” said Minister Airlangga.
He underscored that shifts in global supply chains, intensifying market competition, and evolving international trade rules require closer collaboration between governments and the private sector.
The ISA–HLBC will serve as a strategic mechanism to address barriers, foster new opportunities, and build a more sustainable trade ecosystem.
Boosting Trade, Investment, and Value Creation
Minister Airlangga also emphasized the significant roles Indonesia and South Africa play in the global economy. Both countries are considered key actors in building resilient, inclusive, and rules-based supply chains while expanding mutually beneficial trade and investment flows.
“Close collaboration between government and the private sector is fundamental to addressing global challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities that deliver real economic impact for both nations,” he added.
The ISA–HLBC is expected to become a high-level platform for aligning strategic interests, developing joint initiatives, and expanding cooperation in priority sectors.
These include energy transition, food security, infrastructure, digital transformation, and strategic industries. South Africa is positioned as a gateway to the broader African market, while Indonesia serves as a primary entry point to ASEAN.
Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Through the launch of ISA–HLBC, Indonesia and South Africa reaffirm their joint commitment to fostering an inclusive, rules-based, and sustainable global economic order. The partnership aims to support job creation, strengthen industrial capacity, and empower MSMEs in both countries.
The event was attended by Vice Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir, and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Bakrie, reflecting broad support across sectors for enhancing Indonesia–South Africa economic cooperation.
The establishment of ISA–HLBC marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations—one that is structured, forward-looking, and focused on long-term sustainable growth for both nations. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel